Am i too short?
Joined: Apr 2009
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 484
From: A place in the sun
You are fine. One of my colleagues measured only 5ft 4 1/2 inches and he flew, Vanguards. 707s, 747s, VC10s, Concorde and countless aerobatic aeroplanes. I wish you good luck in all your endeavours. And I am only 5ft 7".
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: From UK
Five foot seven is fine! It's practically normal height.
I know a pilot who can't be much over five foot who flies sat on a folded up bedroom pillow.
If you want to become a professional pilot one day, BA says: 'Your height must be between 1.57m (5'2") and 1.90m (6'3")'. Not even close to the limit.
I know a pilot who can't be much over five foot who flies sat on a folded up bedroom pillow.
If you want to become a professional pilot one day, BA says: 'Your height must be between 1.57m (5'2") and 1.90m (6'3")'. Not even close to the limit.
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 704
Likes: 0
From: Europe
Don't worry, I've seen shorter people flying all sorts of aircraft. I can't think of any establishment, civil or military, that has its lower limit above 1,60 m - and you're not even close to that.
You didn't mention whether your idea was to fly a C172 for a hobby or progress any further, but it's not a concern in either case. The C172 has a good forward view as the glareshield is not exactly high. On the PA28 though, even some taller guys put a cushion on the seat because it has a relatively high glareshield in relation to the seat height. It's a matter of personal preference - and, if you are flying the aircraft privately, you have every right to pick up one which you find comfortable. Just like choosing your own car. If you want to progress onto something bigger and fly it for a living, it becomes even easier. Business jets and airliners alike have seats and rudder pedals which can be adjusted in a number of ways to accommodate for any body part proportions.
You didn't mention whether your idea was to fly a C172 for a hobby or progress any further, but it's not a concern in either case. The C172 has a good forward view as the glareshield is not exactly high. On the PA28 though, even some taller guys put a cushion on the seat because it has a relatively high glareshield in relation to the seat height. It's a matter of personal preference - and, if you are flying the aircraft privately, you have every right to pick up one which you find comfortable. Just like choosing your own car. If you want to progress onto something bigger and fly it for a living, it becomes even easier. Business jets and airliners alike have seats and rudder pedals which can be adjusted in a number of ways to accommodate for any body part proportions.
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,451
Likes: 6
From: schermoney and left front seat
Wrong wording there, dude. You may be privileged to fly the PA 28/28R.... your heights just fine, donīt worry. Have flown with several female pilots that measured between 160 and 168cm, they didnīt have have any trouble.
Joined: Mar 2008
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 345
Likes: 38
From: Lander, WY, USA
As everybody says, not too short at all. My most recently graduated PPL student is only 5' or so, did all her training in a 172 (older, 1966 vintage), now owns a PA28 Dakota. doesn't have trouble with either one.
I'd say for the newer 172's. the panel may be higher, but for older (pre-1986), I actually think the PA28 has a lower panel.
I'd say for the newer 172's. the panel may be higher, but for older (pre-1986), I actually think the PA28 has a lower panel.
