TryHard

Hi there,
I am new to essentially everything aeronautical. I have always been interested in all forms of transportation, but airplanes always seemed too far out of reach for anything but staring. About a year ago, my future father-in-law took me on my first small aircraft flight in a Cessna 172. I fell more in love with flight, and am on track to start private piloting lessons. That is currently the extent of my plan, mostly because that may be the end of my abilities physically. Which is where my actual question comes in: do you know a pilot, of any rating, who is 5'-0" tall?
In my research, I have found minimum height requirements of 5'-4" for particular airlines, but according to the FAA, there is no minimum height requirement, just the need to be able to reach rudder pedals. Are there any planes used commercially that I could reach pedals on, or will I be confined to flying Cubs and 150s for the duration of my licensing?

WHACKMASTER

First and foremost, don’t give up on your dream of making a living flying airplanes. The only other thing I’d rather be doing is retirement......or high-end male gigolo (which I get to live out anyway on my MSP layovers.....okay, bad inside joke).

That said....consider contacting Airbus and Boeing regarding what minimum height their cockpits are designed to (pedal and seat adjustment). I’m thinking that even at 5’ you’ll be able to comfortably operate the controls but don’t quote me on that.

I have a friend who’s a Southwest captain who I believe is either 5’ 2” or 5’ 4”. He’s flown the B1900, Cessna Conquest, SF340, B717, and now the B737.

Seriously, if you have a passion for this line of work.......PURSUE IT!

BigfootCapo

Most transport category airplanes have adjustable seats and pedals. They tend to move in a wide range of motion and should not be a problem. But, do not quote me on that. Advice from previous poster is sound - give Boeing or Airbus a call and they should be able to officially answer it for you. I have worked with a few pilots over the years that have been fairly short and have not known of any of them having such problems. Good luck.

stinkbug

Sent you a PM

Flightcap

Bring a pillow. I sat on a pillow in a C-152 for the first part of my training. Then the teenage growth spurt kicked in and I was ok. But there are definitely E-170 pilots shorter than myself (5" 7'). The shortest of the short bring pillows or lumbar supports. It works fine.

rickair7777

I have known very short folks, mostly females but one male, who flew airlines. They often used seat cushions, and I think one used platform heels to help reach the pedals.

canuckian

If you can reach the pedals on a Cessna you'll have no problem with any commercial airliner. The pedals and seats are much more adjustable.

TryHard

Thank you for all the replies and encouragement. I never thought to actually contact the manufacturers, or that creative cushion placement would be an option. With my limited engagement in aeronautics, I haven't come across any short pilots I could ask in person! My F-FIL is over 6', and all of the EAA members I've conversed with have been at least 5'-6" (and many of them only got a private pilot's or light aircraft license). Thanks again!

JohnBurke

I trained recently with a senior captain at a legacy air carrier who is very close to that height. In fact, I am training with a captain presently in the same class who is about that height.

It shouldn't be a problem for you.