Foot Forces Exerted at Various Aircraft Brake-Pedal Angles

Abstract

This study reports the forces (means and standards deviations) exerted by the foot at various angles of extension about its ankle. A sample of 100 rated pilots was selected by height and weight. The forces were measured in a cockpit mock-up constructed around a specially instrumented F-80 rudder-pedal assembly. The right rudder pedal (hinged on the rudder bar) could be rigidly set to any desired angle between vertical and 75° forward of vertical. Foot forces were measured at 11 positions of the instrumented brake pedal in both neutral and extended positions of the right leg, and in three cockpit sizes (37 in., 39¼ in., and 41 in.)–66 measures on each man. In all three conditions, maximal forces were exerted within a 20° zone between 15 and 35° forward of vertical. Subjective comfort preferences, expressed by 86 pilots, closely paralleled the force findings. It is concluded that aircraft brake-pedal systems should be designed to maximize the effectiveness of the foot in that optimal zone, and that the same zone should be considered for other foot-operated controls, like automobile accelerator pedals.

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