View Full Version : Cessna 172 pilot height requirement
shorty79
11th Jul 2011, 10:17
Hi,
Apologies as this is simailar to my previous post about Diamond DA20 and DA42s...
can anyone give me an insight into what they reckon is the minimum height requirement, for Pilot's, for a Cessna 172?
Any short pilots out there or instructors with experience of us shorties?
How short are you? How do they compare to Warriors and Senecas (which I seem to fit ok).
Btw I'm approx. 156cm.
Would a certified cushion be adequate?
Thanks
Jerry Lee
11th Jul 2011, 10:23
A pillow is the way to go:ok:
Genghis the Engineer
11th Jul 2011, 10:34
I'm 5ft 6" (167cm) and struggle slightly with the C172 preferring to use a cushion to see over the instrument panel; I did part of my instructors course in it and managed okay without a booster, but didn't enjoy that bit very much.
It really isn't a problem; best bet is to get a thick slab of something called "dynafoam", and run up (or have somebody who, unlike me, is safe in charge of a sewing machine run up) a cover to create a covered cushion. Avoid readily available soft foams for a variety of safety reasons. Any company supplying the gliding community will stock dynafoam.
THE expert on seat cushions on Pprune is probably Whirlybird, who doesn't post here much now, but if you email her - she is a flying instructor and flying writer rather shorter than you who thus is a mistress of the art of seat cushions in a variety of flying machines.
shorty79
11th Jul 2011, 10:51
Thanks Ghenkis
shorty79
11th Jul 2011, 16:59
any other thoughts?
stuckgear
11th Jul 2011, 18:16
A rack ?
message too short so this bit added
shorty79
13th Jul 2011, 09:30
hysterical!
zkjaws
14th Jul 2011, 19:33
I know of two very good pilots about your height who flew not only 172's, but also 180's, 185's and 206's and only needed a cushion.
But make sure the seat is locked in position and the fire extinguisher isn't restricting the forward limit of the seat.
Most of these types also have adjustable seats, so that should help as well.
helianthusdd
15th Jul 2011, 09:09
Some C-172's and other aircraft have height-adjustable seats, but many don't. Nominally, the non-adjustable seats in a C-172 are made for people between 172cm and 190cm tall.
I'm 187 cm and prefer to raise the seat in a C172 as much as possible, not only to be able to have good view over the instrument panel but also to ensure that the shoulder belt does not run straight across my neck.
flyingbuddy
28th Jun 2016, 14:56
Is height a problem? I'm 161cm. I want to be a pilot. It's my dream.
RedBullGaveMeWings
28th Jun 2016, 23:20
I am shorter than that, no problems.
George Semel
29th Jun 2016, 00:22
I'm 5'6" tall, and I never had a problem fly the 172 or the like, I got several thousands of hours in those! Now a Cherokee Six, I sit on a boat cushion!
parkfell
29th Jun 2016, 09:46
For those who have aspirations, I vaguely recall Mr Boeing saying that his ac are designed for those between 5'4" & 6'4". (163-193 cms).
Although BMI is not mentioned, you need to consider it.
The issue comes into stark relief when dealing with "V1 cuts" as the amount of control column movement required to achieve the pitch attitude is compromised by the forward seat position.