Fit in the training plane?
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Belgium
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I wouldn't call the C152 "comfortable". It's ok for the training, but THAT'S IT ! 
It's a good idea to find a very tiny instructor in case you decide to fly this.
C172 no problem whatsoever...
C182 even better...
But much depends on the length of your legs.
It's a good idea to find a very tiny instructor in case you decide to fly this.
C172 no problem whatsoever...
C182 even better...
But much depends on the length of your legs.
Join Date: May 2001
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Big blokes/girls are nearly always having to twist to fit in the C150/C152. If its not your height its your shoulders that start interacting with the instructor unless the half turn round and stick an arm behind the LH seat.
If you have a 6stone burd as an instructor its not so bad but any decent sized person instructing and you can start playing the if i shut my door the other one pops open game.
If there are any PA38's in your area go for them it will be more comfy and also the handling of the aircraft will make you a better pilot.
If you have a 6stone burd as an instructor its not so bad but any decent sized person instructing and you can start playing the if i shut my door the other one pops open game.
If there are any PA38's in your area go for them it will be more comfy and also the handling of the aircraft will make you a better pilot.
It is rather more complex than just height.
When I used to worry about these things more than I do now, and occasionally participate in cockpit assessments, I had to have recorded my height, sitting height, thigh length, leg length and functional reach. In some aeroplanes, including the C150, you could make a strong case that shoulder width is also a significant player.
Now, you could get all that measured and compare that to the - probably nonexistent - cockpit assessment reports.
Or, far more sensibly, you could go and find somebody with a C150 (or any other type you're concerned about), sit in it, get a representative "other pilot" / instructor to sit next to you, and see if you are comfortable, can see out, and can get full and free movement on all of the controls (with the doors closed, a headset on, and a standard kneeboard strapped to your thigh).
That will answer the question for you better than any statement of "I'm this tall and can/can't fly a Cessna 1#2" on here because we're all different shapes, as well as different heights.
G
When I used to worry about these things more than I do now, and occasionally participate in cockpit assessments, I had to have recorded my height, sitting height, thigh length, leg length and functional reach. In some aeroplanes, including the C150, you could make a strong case that shoulder width is also a significant player.
Now, you could get all that measured and compare that to the - probably nonexistent - cockpit assessment reports.
Or, far more sensibly, you could go and find somebody with a C150 (or any other type you're concerned about), sit in it, get a representative "other pilot" / instructor to sit next to you, and see if you are comfortable, can see out, and can get full and free movement on all of the controls (with the doors closed, a headset on, and a standard kneeboard strapped to your thigh).
That will answer the question for you better than any statement of "I'm this tall and can/can't fly a Cessna 1#2" on here because we're all different shapes, as well as different heights.
G
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Oxford, UK
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Different shapes for sure. Friend was thinking of acquiring a share in a Supercub, until he tried it on for size and discovered that he had a long torso and short legs.
Fitting parachutes on potential pax in gliders, you soon appreciate the variety of the human frame. Furthermore, the parachute is not designed for the female figure. (I understand they used to do nude parachute descents in California - mind boggles - the thought of not having the leg straps properly adjusted for the wedding tackle brings tears to the eyes....)
Anyway, you certainly should try before you fly, climb in and out of the aircraft, sit in it, make sure you can reach all the controls comfortably. In the case of any aircraft, a seat cushion that protects against impact injury is VITAL. The only time a friend of mine was not sitting on an impact cushion was the time he needed it.
In the case of flying a glider up a winch launch, no soft cushions, please. They may compress and cause you to slide in the seat and depart the controls.
In the case of a Cessna 152, make sure the stupid catch on the seat slides is fully functional, or the seat may slide back and interesting things happen.
Take the time to make sure the aircraft fits your own soft pink body properly before going aloft; its too late to sort it then.
Fitting parachutes on potential pax in gliders, you soon appreciate the variety of the human frame. Furthermore, the parachute is not designed for the female figure. (I understand they used to do nude parachute descents in California - mind boggles - the thought of not having the leg straps properly adjusted for the wedding tackle brings tears to the eyes....)
Anyway, you certainly should try before you fly, climb in and out of the aircraft, sit in it, make sure you can reach all the controls comfortably. In the case of any aircraft, a seat cushion that protects against impact injury is VITAL. The only time a friend of mine was not sitting on an impact cushion was the time he needed it.
In the case of flying a glider up a winch launch, no soft cushions, please. They may compress and cause you to slide in the seat and depart the controls.
In the case of a Cessna 152, make sure the stupid catch on the seat slides is fully functional, or the seat may slide back and interesting things happen.
Take the time to make sure the aircraft fits your own soft pink body properly before going aloft; its too late to sort it then.
In the case of a Cessna 152, make sure the stupid catch on the seat slides is fully functional, or the seat may slide back and interesting things happen.
I'm very glad to say that I had another qualified pilot sat in the other seat, who did as he was told when I shouted "Mike, you have controllllllllll" as I shot towards the rear of the aircraft.
G
Join Date: May 2001
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Shortarse 
I find the oppersite that I get an almost shin splint effect because my feet are at an uncomfy angle for long periods even with the seat right back. Its even worse instructing trying to keep them away from the pedals. My knees are up and have to to be spread to get full movement of the controls in roll thus encroatching onto the other side.
The tommy on the other hand I can't reach the pedals with the seat right back, my shoulders don't touch the students however big they are, and my knees are well out of the way.
I find the oppersite that I get an almost shin splint effect because my feet are at an uncomfy angle for long periods even with the seat right back. Its even worse instructing trying to keep them away from the pedals. My knees are up and have to to be spread to get full movement of the controls in roll thus encroatching onto the other side.
The tommy on the other hand I can't reach the pedals with the seat right back, my shoulders don't touch the students however big they are, and my knees are well out of the way.
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Until recently, the 150/152 were not affected by the AD on the seat latch mechanism. I think it was agreed that the seat does not move so far that the pilot cannon maintain control with the seat full aft. It's more a surprise than a real hazard. It's happened to me in 150's and 172's. 172's are much more a hazard, as you will get out of reach of the controls.
I understand that Clyde Cessna was 6' 6" tall, and his descendants were similarly tall. this is why I have yet to fly a Cessna I did not fit very nicely into height wise, and I'm 6' 4". I wish I could say the same of other brands! Indeed, the more common problem is that Cessnas are not as well thought out for shorter pilots. For this reason, Cessna clip on rudder pedal extensions were available, for quick installation for shorter pilots. They worked very well, but are quite rare.
If you're looking for accommodation for a tall pilot, I'd be looking at a Cessna first, and the 150 is no exception. Door could be bigger though......
I understand that Clyde Cessna was 6' 6" tall, and his descendants were similarly tall. this is why I have yet to fly a Cessna I did not fit very nicely into height wise, and I'm 6' 4". I wish I could say the same of other brands! Indeed, the more common problem is that Cessnas are not as well thought out for shorter pilots. For this reason, Cessna clip on rudder pedal extensions were available, for quick installation for shorter pilots. They worked very well, but are quite rare.
If you're looking for accommodation for a tall pilot, I'd be looking at a Cessna first, and the 150 is no exception. Door could be bigger though......
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If there are any PA38's in your area go for them it will be more comfy and also the handling of the aircraft will make you a better pilot.
50 Knt approach in a tommie?.... you'd be chewing the wire!
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Thats just a function of the performance of the wing.
The reason why you are finding things so easy on other types is exactly my point. You have been taught properly how to fly on an aircraft that bites back if you do it wrong and doesn't put up with sloppy handling even from big girls who scream when an icle spider says hello.
The reason why you are finding things so easy on other types is exactly my point. You have been taught properly how to fly on an aircraft that bites back if you do it wrong and doesn't put up with sloppy handling even from big girls who scream when an icle spider says hello.
I remember my first ever lesson, it was in a 152 Aerobat. When we landed after half an hour the instructor turned to me and declared that it would be advantageous for me to do the rest of my training in a 172. I wholeheartedly agreed after they got out, allowing me to breathe again.
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The tommie is quite roomy comapred to the 152 and it certianly will bite! and speaking of which so would that spider!!
i've revised its size to 'dinner plate' now to win back some respect.
i've revised its size to 'dinner plate' now to win back some respect.
