Expert: Marc Eichler - 3/1/2006

Question
I'd love to fly in the air force. I'm quite smart and very physicaly fit, but i'm 82 inches tall-which is mostly in my legs. How could I get around the height restrictions.  

Answer
Zach -

Unfortunately, there is no way that I know of to get around the height restrictions.  The reason they are in because of the ejection seats.  The planes that do not have ejection seats - transports - are extremely cramped.  If the problem was the opposite, you being too short, they might be able to work with you.  In all honesty, you might just be too tall to be a pilot, even privately.  Seats only move back so far.

Your best bet would be going to the Air Force to see what, if any waivers are available.  I doubt that there are any waivers, but it's worth asking.

If you can't be a pilot, but still want to join the military, you could look at other areas relating to aviation, maybe air traffic control.

Thank-you for using allexperts.com,

Marc Eichler