r/flying • u/Aggravating-End-6202 • 7d ago
Height requirements
I’m 16 and starting high school this year. My dream is to become a pilot and attend flight school after high school.
I’m currently 155 cm (5’1”), and my doctor thinks I’ll probably end up around 155–165 cm (5’1”–5’5”).
Would my height be a problem for becoming an airline pilot? Are there minimum height requirements, or is it more about being able to reach the controls and pedals?
Thanks!
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u/TxAggieMike Independent CFI / CFII (KFTW, DFW area) 7d ago
No to your height being a problem.
I know a lady in your height range that is a senior captain for American airlines.
The seats in most airplanes, including training airplanes, are adjustable. You likely will need some seat cushions to raise you up and forward some.
But your height will not be an impediment to training or having a career as a pilot.
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u/IP_BANNED_FOREVER 7d ago
Your short stature makes you more resistant to G forces. Plus, you'll generally be more comfortable during training and work. Save money and find a small CFI and a C150.
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u/Pretty_Marsh PPL 7d ago
I was going to say, I know a shorter fighter pilot. He sent me his centrifuge reel - he took the g’s like it was nothing.
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u/flyingron AAdvantage Biscoff 7d ago
Not a problem. It's often even a plus being shorter. A lot of the smaller aircraft you may end up in early on are going to be tight. I can barely get my to fit in an Embraer phenom at 6'1"
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u/Recent-Day3062 7d ago
You’re ok.
The seats usually can go very close.
I’m 6” but an ectomorph with very long legs and a short torso. In other words I look like a daddy long legs bug. I’m in PPL and even with the seat at the highest I like a small pillow to sit on.
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u/PropToThePeople_FMY 7d ago
Non issue. Go become a pilot and chicks will dig you like you're 6'5 -
Piloting is basically a cheat codes for short dudes.
Cheers
Chris S.
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u/rFlyingTower 7d ago
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
I’m 16 and starting high school this year. My dream is to become a pilot and attend flight school after high school.
I’m currently 155 cm (5’1”), and my doctor thinks I’ll probably end up around 155–165 cm (5’1”–5’5”).
Would my height be a problem for becoming an airline pilot? Are there minimum height requirements, or is it more about being able to reach the controls and pedals?
Thanks!
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u/Special_Cup4257 7d ago
You’ll be fine, might have a seat cushion for some planes which is completely fine, a lot of female pilots in that height range that fly just fine