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Height requirments*

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Old 19th Jan 2008, 23:24
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I asked a similar question recently, and the general response was as long as you have a bmi (body mass index) in the healthy weight range (20-25) you won't have a problem as long as there are no other bad health indicators. I am slightly overweight which is why I asked the question and was told even if overweight should be ok for airlines. However RAF are going to have much stricter guidelines so you will need to make sure you are very fit and healthy. Hope it helps!
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Old 20th Jan 2008, 09:27
  #22 (permalink)  
 
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Sorry, can't advise you about absolute limits for height and weight, but as far as your BMI goes, your former height/weight falls in the range of what's considered "normal."

You current post viral weight puts you in the "slightly undrweight" range.
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Old 23rd Jan 2008, 15:18
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Well, I'm also 6'6" and passed all ab-initio tests in one of largest nordic flag carrier, now finishing my studies. Have 0 problem for fitting in Piper, Cessna 172 or 152, and dont have any leg-cramps on what-so-ever even in 3h crosscountry flights. Only problem, that I have had since now is rare headache, when my stupid head hits upper wing of a cessna. But this is now rare happening ( in the beggining, that happend about once a month)...

If you are still worried, go and ask for the school where you want to go, or in airline, in which you intend to apply. IIRC, that BA have/has height restriction and it was about 6'3", but in the application was memo which stated that if the applicant doest meet the height restriction, he/she must demonstrate ability to fit in .. or something similar.
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Old 25th Jan 2008, 06:53
  #24 (permalink)  

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Don't know this for certain by any means, but if you're thinking of military flying, isn't there a problem if you're below the minimum weight for ejection seats, which I believe is around 9 stone? I've heard that....but I may be out of date and/or totally wrong! Maybe ask on the mil forum.
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Old 25th Jan 2008, 09:32
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1. Look in the military aircrew section. You will find a wealth of this sort of information in the Joining- OASC sticky at the top of the page.

2. Your height/weight is I think marginal.

You are taller than my daughter but that is not the problem. As Whirlybird says you may be too light for a bang seat. I think my daughter was too light for a parachute too.

She is heavier now but very happy in her non-aircrew roll.
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Old 25th Jan 2008, 15:05
  #26 (permalink)  
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I found this:

OK - I've just passed through RAF Cranwell myself and here's the essential numbers you need:

Pilot:

Weight: 56.8 - 94.0 Kg
Functional reach (shoulders to thumb-tip):
740 - 900 mm
Sitting height: 865 - 1010 mm
Buttock knee: 560 - 660 mm
Buttock - heel: 1000 - 1200mm

Navigator:

Weight: 56.8 -94.0 kg
Functional reach: 715- 900 (note shorter)
Sitting height: 850 -1020 mm (safe to be alittle bigger)
Buttock-knee: 550 - 660 mm (little shorter)
Buttock - heel: 970 - 1200

This looks like 8 st 14 lbs.
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Old 25th Jan 2008, 15:53
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I am 6'7 no problems with JAA or FAA medicals. I have been flying Cessna, Piper, Beechcraft. No problem at all. The only aircraft I feel cramped in is in the C-150. In the C-172 there is plenty of room. I actually I had to bring the seat forward because I could not reach the pedals. I am now flying the B737, also no problem.
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Old 18th Sep 2008, 11:14
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Too tall?

Hi all

I have heard people saying 6'4 is the tallest you can be to become and pilot. I dont want to book my Class 1 as it is expensive for someone just to say "sorry your too tall" Anyone got any ideas? I'm 6'6

Thanks alot

Pete
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Old 18th Sep 2008, 13:46
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At my airline, when you are taller then 2 meter 01 centimeters you have to get a bunch of measurements made. Especially important is the upper leg length. I has to do with the support the seats offer. I live in the country with the tallest people on earth, and we have a lot of guys close to this length. I know of one who is 2 meters 03 centimeters, but his measurements were ok.
Greetings O.

BTW 2 meters 1 centimeters is equivelant to 6 feet 7 inches.
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Old 19th Sep 2008, 01:12
  #30 (permalink)  
 
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Based on what ive seen i dont think its an outright no no from the CAA. I work with 2 pilots on a daily basis who are at least 6ft5 minimum. They might be taller. all i know is im a tall guy, there quite a way taller than i am.

As for the measurment requirements for support and comfort in the flight deck, im not sure if they have had to have gone and got that checked specificaly but at that height they are both employed by major carriers.
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Old 19th Sep 2008, 11:28
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The commercial aircraft seat is designed for standing height between 155 & 185cm; candidates beyond these limits may be counseled accordingly. A Cockpit fitness report is to be obtained from the Flying Operations .

This may help.
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Old 21st Sep 2008, 20:06
  #32 (permalink)  
 
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Some while back a fellow pilot was 6'-7' and properly proportioned as against being a string bean. He managed fine with PA31 and BE20 and there was certainly no medical issue involved.

Last edited by Carrier; 21st Sep 2008 at 20:07. Reason: punctuation
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Old 21st Sep 2008, 21:17
  #33 (permalink)  
 
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No, you are not to tall.

I am 197cm and I have never run into a problem because of my length at both FAA and JAA medical examinations.

I am currently flying B737's and there is PLENTY of room to spare. You can adjust the seat in so many ways that it is really no problem.

The only time you may have some problems due to your size is during initial training when you have to fly small single engine aircrafts. This is something you have to think about when choosing school. When I started flying I was also concerned like you so I asked the schools I was visiting if I could test sitting in their aircraft.

Until now I have flown around 12 different types of aircrafts and the best for tall people are the C-172 and PA-28.

When you move up to commercial (western) aircrafts you will not encounter any problems. Maybe in some business jets, like Lear jet you might have problems.

Stop worrying and good luck with your medical
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Old 8th Aug 2009, 02:56
  #34 (permalink)  
 
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Height requirments*

Hi there. A while ago a close friend of mine asked me what was the minimum height requirement to become a pilot . . . . . out of which I did not also know the answer

Any answers?
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Old 18th Jul 2016, 11:45
  #35 (permalink)  
 
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Don't let anything come inbetween you and your goals

I am 4'9" and flew a C150 and C172. I used 2 cushions to adjust myself in the C150. When I started flying C172, i couldn't get the full control deflection due to the higher seat level. So my instructor suggested to modify the cushion in an incliner way so that I get get to do full deflection. And it did work well! What I'm trying to say is, if you want to do something real bad, you have to find a way to overcome the obstacles you face. Happy flying everyone!
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Old 24th Jul 2016, 01:11
  #36 (permalink)  
 
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Hi AlexUK,
6ft 6" is certanly not to tall. I am 6ft 6" myself and have been flying commercially for more then 20 years. Starting on smaller a/c it was a tight fit every now and then, but never impossible. Today I do have the honour of flying the 737, before Airbus, Fokker and Saab. Aircraft are designed around the 95% human being, ranging from somwere below 160cm up to 190,5 cm. In that bracket deviations are allowed (long legs/short torso and otherway around), so if your height is well balanced between legs and torso it shouldn't be a problem. In my case the sum of my lower and upper leg were 130cm, just within tolerances.
Hope it helps! Good luck and enjoy your flying!
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