~~~~Is height REALLY a big issue?~~~~

[flygirl123]

If your short, have the passion to fly, dream of becoming a captain of Boeing/Airbus and are worried that you may be too short? Post your questions or answer to other's concerns here!

FAQ:
1) Is height REALLY a big issue?
2) What is the proper height a pilot must be at? Male and Female!

[ditar]

I don't think it's really a big issue. The seats in most planes go up and down, and I've seen some people sit on extra cushions to see over the dashboard.

[moocow]

Apparently yes. When I originally applied to CX & KA cadet program, they clearly state the person must be at least 5 feet 3 inches. Some people didn't meet that requirement but were sent to the sim to see if they can reach all the buttons and the rudder. Can't say that for every outfit out there since I'm one of those 100 hour wonders but that's the experience I had. Not like the height will stop people, plenty of people shorter than me are flying & instructing. I still have to fly with a pillow under my butt in a Piper.

[ScudRunner]

No

[Mr. North]

Short people have the advantage in the Airforce since their Heart-Brain distance is less than in taller individuals, a key factor when dealing with high G-forces.

[flygirl123]

hahaha...really???

Most Asked Questions:

Is height a disadvantage when interviewed for working on a boeing/ airbus?
- First impression is everything

[aileron]

As long as your vision lines up with the hash marks and you can reach the pedals and throttles.

[loopa]

Is WEIGHT really a big issue?

[Flybabe]

Can't speak for an Airbus, but in MY airplane, my stature is definitely a bit of an issue.

[North Shore]

^ Well, if you line the banjo up vertically, then it'd be easier to fit through the hatch!

[Sparkfarmer]

Actually, I think being short is an advantage. anyone who has tried to shoehorn into a Learjet would probably agree with me.

[just curious]

Being 6'5" would be really a pain for fitting into most airplanes. That's why I decided to be short when I grew up.

[Intentional Left Bank]

~~~~Is height REALLY a big issue?~~~~

No, but the excessive and unnecessary use of the tilde most definitely is.

[Invertago]

The Captain must always be at least 2 inches taller then the first officer as in is the only sure way the FO will look up to him.

[Tiny Tyke]

I personally dont think height is an issue in terms of an individual pilots performance.

However, I have noticed that most Air Canada/US Airline pilots are taller than the average male. I would say 5'9" and up.

It is well documented that taller people usually have more 'command presence'.I would definitely imagine that it is easier to get hired for the majors if you are taller than average.

[Cat Driver]

Being a small person means you will not have the flying skills of a bigger pilot because size is what determines your skills as a pilot.

I overcame my lack of flying skills due to my small physical stature by having big co-pilots to make up for my lack of airplane handling skills.

It cost me a lot of money to pay for my first captains position but by agreeing to only fly with big co-pilots it has worked out real well for me.

[Flybabe]

^ Well, if you line the banjo up vertically, then it'd be easier to fit through the hatch!

DOH!!!!

[Invertago]

Interesting how there is a "grow taller" ad on the top of this thread.

Remember its not always what you got, but how you use it... some of us are just doublely blessed

[Flybabe]

Remember its not always what you got, but how you use it... some of us are just doublely blessed

Ohhhhhhhhhh

[flygirl123]

Interesting how there is a "grow taller" ad on the top of this thread.

hahahha...really????

[aileron]

Being a small person means you will not have the flying skills of a bigger pilot because size is what determines your skills as a pilot.

I overcame my lack of flying skills due to my small physical stature by having big co-pilots to make up for my lack of airplane handling skills.

It cost me a lot of money to pay for my first captains position but by agreeing to only fly with big co-pilots it has worked out real well for me.

You know a good set of orthopedic lifts could have solved all those issues...

[Cat Driver]

You know a good set of orthopedic lifts could have solved all those issues...

Not really because that would not make me weigh any more so I would still not be big enough.

[200hr Wonder]

If anything at 6'4" I would rather be a bit shorter. Not sure if I could cut it in a Lear 35 or something like that. A 172 is not all that bad but get two big guys and it is doorpost-|-Shoulders-|-Shoulders-|-doorpost with not a lot of wiggle room.

[C-GGGQ]

The Captain must always be at least 2 inches taller then the first officer as in is the only sure way the FO will look up to him.

I doubt it my grandfather used to let me fly shotgun at five by jacking up the seat and putting two phone books underneath me on the King Air. I mean if you under like 4'5" then yah might be a problem but 5 foot or taller wouldn't think so. Half of the students i had needed a cushion to see over the dash in the diamond

[tiny]

I used a cushion behind me in the 7ECA and 172 to that I could get full rudder deflection. Other than that no problems. More usefull load and easier to climb through small doors (eg: DHC2).

Tiny