If you are planning to serve in the U.S. Air Force (USAF), which is regarded as a big commitment, you’d better make sure that you are both mentally and physically ready for joining because the U.S. Air Force has adopted many strict requirements and standards that all members are expected to comply with. In this paper, we place more emphasis on the U.S. Air Force Height and Weight Requirements. Let’s check it out to assure that your height and weight reach the standards. 

 

1. The Air Force Height Requirements

 

Those who conform to the following minimum height will be permitted to join the U.S. Air Force: 

  • For males, the minimum height requirement to enter the Air Force is at least 5 feet 10 inches tall. 
  • For women, the minimum height requirement is 5 feet 4 inches. 

Although being less than the minimum height might bar you from the Air Force, there are few exceptions, especially you might be still eligible for entering into the armed forces if you are in excellent physical condition.

Here are some notes you should take into consideration when your height is officially measured. 

  • Make certain that you stand up straight with your back against the wall.
  • Remove your shoes and hat (apart from the Air Force head wrap) 

 

2. The Air Force Weight Requirements

 

As part of their medical examination, both men and women have their weight checked. Medical exams are also conducted periodically throughout service. Keep in mind that a member of the Air Force who is slightly overweight or underweight may undergo further testing.

Here are some notes you should take into consideration when your weight is officially measured: 

  • Be fully clothed while you are weighed
  • Take your boots and your jacket off
  • Wear military-style trousers. 
  • Put on an official Air Force t-shirt.

As the taller people are going to weigh more than those who are shorter, the maximum and minimum weight standards have correlated to their height. Below are the separate height and weight requirements for male and female Airmen. Let’s check it out!

 

2.1. For Male Air Force members

 

The maximum permissible weight for those who are 6 feet 8 inches (80 inches)  in height  may be up to 250 pounds. 

The minimum permissible weight that the shortest male Air Force member is 130 pounds. 

 

2.2. For Female Air Force members

weight requirements for female Air Force members
Weight requirements for Air Force females

Actually, the weight requirements for female Air Force members are marginally lower than for men. More specifically,  while the maximum permissible is 112 pounds, the women’s weight must be between 88 and 118 pounds.

Female airmen who do not meet the weight or body fat percentage requirements will be ineligible for certain jobs.

>>> See Also: All crucial enlistment requirements for the U.S. Air Force

 

3. The U.S. Air Force Height And Weight Requirements By Charts

 

Air Force Height And Weight Requirements By Charts
Air Force Height And Weight Requirements By Charts

In the following chart, the weight standards to join the United States Air Force, both for males and females are indicated: 

Height (Inches) Max Weight (lbs) Min. Weight (lbs.)
58 131 91
59 136 94
60 141 97
61 145 100
62 150 104
63 155 107
64 160 110
65 165 114
66 170 117
67 175 121
68 180 125
69 186 128
70 191 132
71 197 136
72 202 140
73 208 144
74 214 148
75 220 152
76 225 156
77 231 160
78 237 164
79 244 168
80 250 173

 

Take note: The above chart is only for adults who have a minimum age of 18. Unless you are at least 18 years old, you don’t consider taking either one of them

 

4. Physical Requirements For Air Force Pilots

 

For Air Force pilots, there are specific height and weight restrictions. More specifically, all pilot candidates must meet the following:

  • Be no less than 64 inches short, and 77 inches tall when standing.
  • Be 34 – 40 inches tall when sitting.
  • Weigh no less than 160 lbs. and no more than 231 lbs.
physical requirements for Air force pilot
Physical requirements for Air force pilots

For various airframes, there are certain weight and height constraints. These will be discussed during pilot training, the best airmen for various airframes are selected. Additionally, candidates for pilot positions must be in good physical and vision condition as follows: 

  • Minimum 20/70 distance vision in each eye and correctable to 20/20 with glasses or contact lenses.
  • Both eyes are not colorblind
  • Near 20/30 visual acuity without correction with contact lenses or glasses
  • No history of asthma, allergies, or hay fever (so-called allergic rhinitis) after the age of 12
  • Meet refraction, accommodation, and astigmatism requirements.

Pilots must pass a medical test as part of the recruiting process, just like everyone else who wants to join the AirForce. Additionally, all Air Force pilots must be US citizens. Before you visit your local recruiter, be sure you meet the minimum qualifications for serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

 

5. Physical Requirements For Aircrew Positions

 

Since each type of aircraft has different height specifications, the height and weight requirements for aircrew positions may vary widely. More specifically, it may be slightly taller and shorter than usual requirements. If you  are considerably shorter or taller than the average, you will be independently screened to make sure that you will be able to safely perform your operational duties. It should be noted that applicants of heights are encouraged to pursue a career in aviation with the U.S. Air Force and people with particularly muscular build can exceed the maximum weight requirement. 

Keep in mind that recruits who apply for aircrew positions must be under their max weight at least 5 pounds. For example, if the maximum weight for your height is 180 pounds, you must be 175 pounds or less. If an applicant with particularly muscular  build is over their maximum weight or less five pound of the maximum weight, they may be authorized to apply 

 

6. Air Force Body Fat Standards

 

In case you exceed the U.S. weight standards, you must meet standard body fat percentage requirements. Your weight and body fat measurements (as determined at MEPS or another point of entry to service) remain a part of the physical requirements for admission and may also be utilized as an entry requirement for admission training programs. Maximum body fat limits are 20% for males under 30, 24% for males over 30, 28% for females under 30, and 32% for females over 30.

 

7. Medical waiver

 

Members of the Air Force who don’t fulfill the weight standards may qualify for a medical waiver. These members will go through a medical examination as well as fitness testing. If an Air Force member is “overweight,” but otherwise seems to be in good health, they may be granted a waiver.

 

8. How to Join the Air Force If You are Overweight?

 

If you weigh more than the minimum, you can still apply to the Air Force. During your medical check, your weight and body fat percentage will be measured. You could receive instructions to trim down before starting basic training in some circumstances. Bear in mind that your annual physical fitness assessment will also compute your Body Mass Index (BMI). To be eligible to serve as an airman, you must have a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9.

If your height and weight don’t meet Air Force standards, you’ll be at a significant disadvantage. You won’t be instantly eliminated, though. You must succeed in the required physical performance exams in order to stay in the Air Force.

You will be at a serious disadvantage if you fall outside the Air Force height and weight standards requirements. However, you will not be automatically disqualified. To remain in the Air Force, you will need to pass the set physical performance tests.

Both men and women must be able to complete: 

  • Cardio Fitness Tests including two options, the 1.5-mile run and the HAMR (high aerobic multi-shuttle run)
  • Upper Body Strength Tests consisting of pushup or the hand-release pushup
  • Core Strength / Endurance Tests comprising three options:  sit-ups, cross-leg reverse crunches, or forearm planks.

For more information, let’s see The Standard U.S. Military Fitness Requirements For Each Branch.

 

9. Preparing for Air Force Basic Training

 

The Air Force has fairly strict requirements for basic training, much as other military branches. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that you are in the best physical condition before joining the police. If you are a little overweight, this is a great approach to lose some weight.

At least six weeks before basic training, begin your physical fitness training program. To prevent muscular tension or damage, it’s crucial to stretch both before and after workouts. It is preferable to exercise 3 to 5 times each week, with training sessions lasting around two hours.

Running, pushups, and swimming should also be incorporated into training sessions. You will be timed during basic training to ensure that you can run and swim swiftly enough. To assist you achieve your goals, it is a good idea to choose a training partner and schedule time with them.

Additionally, it is advised to train with a pair of standard Air Force boots. You’ll have plenty of time to break in your new footwear as well. This will thus save you from blisters while completing basic training.

In a nutshell, in order for Air Force members to fit into standard uniforms, numerous strict height and weight standards are given. Additionally, you have to be a specific size to fit into military boots and caps. People who fall below or above the standard weight may probably have difficulty in operating machinery.

If you are taller or shorter than the specified standards, there isn’t much you can do. However, consuming healthy food and regular exercise might help you acquire or lose weight. This will assist you in becoming in condition so that you can successfully finish basic training pass with flying colors. Along with the physical standards, don’t forget to prepare for your ASVAB – the important military entrance exam – with our ASVAB Practice Tests.