body weight and instructing

[radar o'reilly]

gidday folks.

I recently began investigating doing a F.I.R. and I have found a bit of a stumbling block due to my weight.

While discussing how my rating would be conducted, the C.F.I. said to me that most of my rating would be done in a C172 as I was too heavy to be trained in a C152.

This got me thinking, if I can't be trained in a C152, how am I going to go getting a job training others in a C152 or similar. I rang the mentioned C.F.I. and he was good enough to be straight with me and said he believed I would have a lot of trouble getting work. At least he didn't lie to get my money, I am thankful for that.

So let's hear some opinions / advice. I have the money to do the rating and I am keen as mustard to do it. Naturally I don't want to fork out 10G for the rating to find I can't get work. I am self funded for all my training and it took me a long time to get the cash...!! :)

I am 27 and in Austalia. I am 98kg. I was alot bigger for alot of years and have plateau'd about there after stripping back after giving up playing football. Unless I cut off a limb, I don't see myself being able to lose a heap more weight.

I have been looking for flying work for about 2 years and worked and saved the money needed for the rating. I hoped it would be my break into the industry. I really want to fly...!!! :D

thanks all.

Radar.

[StrateandLevel]

No problem, I know quite a few instructors who weigh quite a bit more. Just don't fly with big students.

[Loony_Pilot]

I weigh in the order of 15 stone and instruct on C150's (amongst other things).

I dont normally have a problem with the weight and balance provided the student isnt too big and the fuel isnt full.
Off the top of my head I think I can fly comfortably with a 13/14 stone person and enough fuel and reserves for a decent length lesson. Of course it can get a bit cosy sometimes!. I normally recommend to the larger students to fly a larger aircraft anyway.

Had to draw the line today at full fuel and 19 stone student.. fortunately one of our instructors is extremely slim!

I dont see why you should have trouble getting work with your size, it hasnt stopped me instructing on PA38's, C150's and the like.

Loony

[RAVAN]

radar, it might be time to shop around a bit for your rating.

I weigh 90kg and two of our other instructors weigh in at 95kg & 102kg respectively and we all instruct in C152's.

Of course, as has already been mentioned, a little attention to student size and fuel load is required but we have had no problems so far.

You sound really keen and committed so make some calls and find yourself someone who will help you get the rating.

Good Luck. :)

[spittingimage]

I am also 98 kg and I avoid the likes of the C150/2 and PA38 as much as possible !

Seriously, 2 persons my size in one of these aircraft with full fuel is over MTOW, especially if you add in a couple of hefty flight bags. I would (and do) avoid schools that have these on their fleet and it gives me ease of mind. (See recent insurance thread re instructors). If you fly at over MTOW you are guaranteed illegal, certainly uninsured, hostage to fickle fortune and a bad example to the student. The aircraft will probably lift off eventually but do you really want a C152 to perform any worse than usual ??

Even with my preference, the PA28 Warrior II, you need to be careful, especially with C of G, as it is easy for two big lads (etc) up front to be out of limits balance-wise unless some ballast weight is carried in the rear. Check it out, if you do not believe me - or, better still, give the task to your student for a learning point well made.

As a final comment, if the worst happens and you are caught out over gross or out of balance you can put folding money on the flying school washing its hands of the matter. You are on your own ...

Sorry to sound so doom-laden but it W&B IS important.

Caveat aviator.