Aircrew Life Support Equipment Experiences in Canadian Military Operational Women Pilots.

Abstract

Introduction: Women continue to remain a minority among Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) operational pilots, equaling <2% in 2000 and <6% in 2022. Limited sex- and gender-specific research on aeromedical support needs has been completed on this population. This initial manuscript examines aircrew life support equipment (ALSE) and musculoskeletal issues within a larger data set.

Methods: This hypothesis-generating, mixed-methods, epidemiological study used a community-based participatory research approach, involving semi-structured interviews with women who were current CAF members and had ever served as operational pilots. Interviews included aviation occupational interest and medical questionnaires, as well as medical record reviews, which were analyzed descriptively and thematically.

Results: Demographics included 51 of 88 (58%) of CAF operational women pilots from 15 different platforms, with a mean service time of 20 yr (range from 8-41 yr) and mean total flying hour estimation of 2400 h (range of 500-8500 h). At least one piece of ALSE did not fit properly in 82% of subjects, and 52% of this group reported prolonged health impacts. Almost all subjects had musculoskeletal issues, with 35% resulting in a flying impairment.

Discussion: This snapshot looks at sex- and gender-specific aeromedical experiences of operationally trained CAF women pilots, which can be used to guide research, policy, training, and education to improve their aeromedical experiences specifically with ALSE. Sex- and gender-based analysis and optimization could help improve equipment procurement and prevent unnecessary injury and illness in female pilots due to their ALSE. Thorgrimson J, Breeck K. Aircrew life support equipment experiences in Canadian military operational women pilots. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2025; 96(2):116-120.