too fat to fly?

[JoeGlum]

I'm coming up to doing my initial class 1 medical and I'm not in what you call fantastic shape.
I was wondering about 2 things?

i) What are the main things people flunk the medical for and

ii) Can you be too big to be a Pilot? I'm 6'2 and 15 1/2 stone which isnt exactly the Size of a Bok second row I know but isnt the max height 6'2 and I presume being reasonably fit is important when (if) you get to an airline.

Apologies if I am raving and thanks in advance for any replies.

[JB LFPN FLYER]

Hello ,

I am 6'1 and all I can say is that for me there is not any problems in airliners ( 737 & 320 ) , but however without being fat ( 85 Kg ) it's true that some of the General aviation cockpits are small ( TBM 700 ) and difficult to move into :s .

i would agree saying that 6'2 is the maximum , at least for general aviation .

It's also important to keep working out and have a good diet because to " feel " good in your body is essential . I know it's difficult as we're always on the go but it's an effort to do . I would also say that since i work out each day I feel a lot better both in my body and in my mind , working out is a great way to " clean/wash " your mind and so be more efficient :)

Regards

JBB

[kieranTsoarer]

dunno about that......im the best part of 95kg and 6'1'', and have no problem in any GA a/c i've ever flown in. Also, I fly gliders which are dubbed as cramped from the front seat, yet I have no issues at all and I have very broad shoulders. I've seen guys a fair few inchs taller fit without control issues, so you should be fine

As for being fit, you should want that anyway. Fine we should all adopt healthy lifestyles, but also look at the bigger picture. You could find yourself in years to come finding it difficult to renew a Class 1 on the grounds of high blood pressure for example, and suddenly a little investment of time into exercise is tiny compared to the investment you had to make to get the licence in the first place :ok:

[JoeGlum]

so I presume it's expected by Commercial Airlines that you're in good nick?

[kieranTsoarer]

i dont claim to be an expert on the subject, and I am only a wannabe (booooo), but an airline will look at physical appearance the same as any other employer.

Firstly, being in relative good shape apparently is the sign of a disciplined individual, and shows the ability to structure and plan their time better. Also, the concept of only being able to make one first impression couldn't be truer; research in the field of human resource proves that only about 7% of what comes out of your mouth will actually count, and that a ridiculous figure (circa 70%) is on how you look and body language. Ill be laying off the cream cakes then

[crap pilot]

You will have no problems at your size. I'm 6ft 3ins and 15 stone and have had no problems at all, both with Commercial and GA.

[The Mixmaster]

You're fine mate. I've seen a 6ft8 guy in the RHS and a bloke who must have been best part of 20 stone in the LHS.

[JB LFPN FLYER]

Yes right I have no pb at all in a cessna 152 but in the TBM 700 ... :hmm: I find it so small :s

Stay fit :)

[JoeGlum]

bye bye fox's chocolate bikkies.....

[t.ogden]

im 6'2" and 100kgs and i had no probs with either caa or raf medicals

[CAT3C AUTOLAND]

You will have no problem mate, I am similar to yourself, in terms of a BMI.

One thing that you will find when you join an airline is the cabin crew will force all this crew food down your neck and constantly feed you crisps, chocolate, force beer down your neck on night stops and very quickly you find your waist line expanding and those once snug fit uniform trousers become even snugger :eek:.

It is time for me to knock the crew food on the head and get my fat ass down the gym :ok:.

Enjoy your flying.