Lighter weight pilots banned
from F-35 over faulty ejection seat
The Air Force has banned lightweight pilots from flying F-35s due to seat problem.
A U.S. Air Force F-35 takes off. Photo courtesy of U.S. Air Force
WASHINGTON, Oct. 19 (UPI) -- U.S. Air Force pilots weighing less than 136 pounds have been restricted from flying the F-35A Lightning II due to safety concerns.
The restriction, announced by the Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs office, said the restriction is due to a safety concern over use of the plane's ejection seat.
"In a recent test, analysis identified an unacceptable risk of neck injury during parachute deployment/opening for lighter-weight pilots at low-speed conditions," the announcement said.
"Air Force leaders decided that as an interim solution, no pilot less than 136 pounds will be allowed to fly the aircraft until the problem is resolved. As a result, one pilot was impacted."
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