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D, F
UE TO THE many technical facets involved in the
design and construction of a homebuilt aircraft, the de-
clearance dimensions. Elbow-fingertip length (I) deter-
mines location of control stick, range-of-motion for control
stick, and location of panel controls.
signer and builder frequently become so engrossed in the
mechanical problems of the project that human factors are
neglected. Failure to appreciate the importance of the
pilot-aircraft interface in terms of compatability with
human capabilities and limitations can result in a cockpit
design that makes flying the aircraft difficult, even to the
point of being an invitation to a mistake.
While human factors neglect in cockpit design can be
either an inadvertent oversight or purposeful compromise Breadth: Dimensions and positions for breadth are
for technical reason, it is usually due to lack of human given in Figure 3. Shoulder breadth (K) gives the needed
factors knowledge. Consequently, designers and builders lateral dimensions of the cockpit space. This dimension is
frequently evaluate and solve human factors questions on not only critical for comfort but also for ease of entry and
the basis of personal experience and opinion. In some cases exit. Hip breadth (L) determines seat pan width. Forearm-
this may suffice, but more frequently a breakdown at the forearm breadth (M) determines cockpit width and control
pilot-aircraft interface within the cockpit takes place. location.
Since cockpit design includes human sensory, motor,
mental, and physical characteristics, a single article can-
not possibly cover all the human factors in cockpit design.
However, as is true with every problem, there is a logical
starting point. The pilot must physically fit (physical di-
mensions) the cockpit and must be able to operate (func- The physical dimensions presented are not a total rep-
tional dimensions) the controls. This article deals with resentation of the human body, but those given provide
physical dimensions of cockpit design. the physical dimensions for cockpit space. Body physical
The science of measuring the human body is an- dimensions have critical implications for the designer and
thropometry, and while a wide variety of people have been builder of homebuilt aircraft simply because these aircraft
subjected to nearly 400 different measurements, an- seldom have adjustable seats.
thropometric data relates to a specific population sample It seems that most designers of homebuilts design for
and to a specific measurement technique. The an- the six foot, 200 pound man, the rationale being it is easier
thropometric data presented here represents a compilation to fit a 5th percentile pilot into a 95th percentile cockpit
of basis percentile (5th, 50th, 95th) dimensions for the U.S. than the reverse. To some extent this is true, but as a 5th
adult male population. percentile male, I have sat in cockpits of homebuilts in
There are 13 physical dimensions that are of value in which there was no way I could fly the aircraft without
cockpit design; 6 height measures, 4 length, and 3 breadth. extensive redesign of the cockpit.
The measurements are taken in a stiff and unnatural The data presented in this article can eliminate much
sitting position, but such position allows standardization of the guesswork in determining cockpit space. The first
of measurement procedures. The positions are shown and step is to make a side view model of the human body from
the percentile values given in Figures 1 through 3. cardboard or celluloid, making each segment moveable at
52 MAY 1983
F. Thigh Clearance
Perceniile
Percentiie
G 17.3 195 21 6
H 213 233 252
176 189 202
390 420 460
Buttock-Popliteal I. Elbow-Fingertip
Percentiie
( 7 V /
5th 50th 95th
the joints (Figure 4). The model can be full size or scaled
down. A designer can use the dimensions of a percentile
person. A builder can, by using the positions given in
Figures 1 through 3, take his own measurements and
make a model of himself.
The model can be placed on a side view drawing of the
cockpit space (model and drawing must be to same scale).
The moveable segments of the model permit change of
positions and determination of clearance limits. This same
procedure can be used for the front view of the body and
the cockpit space. In this case only the body torso need be
modeled.
At this point the functional dimensions of the cockpit
can be considered. Functional dimensions determine con-
trol location and seat configuration. This subject will be
the topic of another article. (Part II, Functional Dimen-
sions in Cockpit Design) Figure 4 Model for cockpit design
SPORT AVIATION 53