How limited am I in the types of planes I can fly as a commercial pilot if I'm 5'3"?
Posted by Marcuuspolo@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 58 comments
I'm considering pursuing a career as a commercial pilot, but I’m wondering if my height (5'3") would limit the types of aircraft I’d be able to fly, especially if I moved into larger commercial jets.
I know height can be a factor for certain cockpit ergonomics, rudder pedal reach, visibility, etc., but I’m not sure how much of an issue that really is in today’s industry or training programs.
Has anyone here faced (or seen others face) challenges related to being shorter in the cockpit?
Appreciate any insight — personal stories, tips, or even the challenges to be aware of. Thanks!
nomadschomad@reddit
Far less limited than someone who is 6-3
Marcuuspolo@reddit (OP)
Literally never would've guessed. Always figured taller people would have it easy but it does seem like the seating in a cockpit is tight and could see why taller people might struggle.
nomadschomad@reddit
And it starts early. I’m 6–2, 250. Zero chance I was going to spend a single hour in a 152 for PPL.
ApoTHICCary@reddit
We have a guy that’s 6’6” 300+ in a 172. He looks miserable.
nomadschomad@reddit
I'm fine in a 172. That's a big dude...
Turkstache@reddit
At 6'3" 230 I taught in a 152. Not fun. Had to move my knees around for every new student control input
baby-shart@reddit
I was going to apply for the British Airways ab initio track about 20+ years ago but was shocked to see there was an upper limit on height requirements (which I exceeded). I’m 6’7”.
Successful_Side_2415@reddit
If you have a huge pile of cash sitting around collecting dust, I’d recommend buying or building a Vans RV-14. Very spacious, highly performant, extremely fun, cheap to operate.
baby-shart@reddit
Buying something like that is high on my to do list for after I’ve got my PPL. That will also give me time to work out how to convince the wife.
Kemerd@reddit
Real, there are some planes where you literally couldn’t do the control box
DependentHorror2081@reddit
I have friend who’s shorter than that who started at the airlines. She had a good few years before switching to fly for cirrus
Marcuuspolo@reddit (OP)
That is reassuring to read!
Lanky-Rabbit8694@reddit
Flew with a couple guys and one gal your height in the 747. Any Boeing you’re fine. Probably perfect for a Lear anyone over about 5’9 struggles in those
Marcuuspolo@reddit (OP)
747, really? Those things are huge. They're able to reach everything they need to?
spkgsam@reddit
Be ready for the looks of jealousy as you cross your legs while flying a Boeing.
Marcuuspolo@reddit (OP)
Hahahahaha it'll be such a flex
AerobaticDiamond@reddit
I’m 5’5” and sometimes need to use a “booster seat”. You’ll be fine. I was able to fly an Aerostar using a deck cushion behind me
Marcuuspolo@reddit (OP)
I feel like my ego would prevent me from using a "booster seat" but that's an issue I need to talk to with my Therapist. Thanks for sharing- it has helped!
AerobaticDiamond@reddit
Yeah what I call a “booster seat” is really just a cushion that goes under me and behind me. Some planes I just need something behind me, some just under. It’s not that bad and I know a lot of pilots who have had to do the same. Also, I don’t have to do it in every plane I’ve flown.
Marcuuspolo@reddit (OP)
What do you typically fly now if you don't mind me asking?
AIRdrian350@reddit
I'm 5'3" (159cm) I didn't have any issues with the Cherokee (using a booster made flaring easier but i could fly without it) however once I started flying the Seneca the booster seat became required (I could barely reach the pedals without it but my legs turned into jelly if I didn't have it, which isn't great in multi training lol)
Marcuuspolo@reddit (OP)
What are you typically flying now? Any other issues since the Seneca?
stewtea2@reddit
If I can be fine (4’11”) then you got nothing to worry about
Marcuuspolo@reddit (OP)
May I ask what you fly?
Real_Fig_732@reddit
You're more likely to be comfortable in any airplane than someone who is 6' 3". I'm 5' 8", and I consider myself blessed when it comes to some light sports.
ResponsibilityOld164@reddit
I’m 6’3 😭😭
12-7@reddit
I'm 6'4". Did all my primary training in a 172, then transitioned to the 182 and 206 which are practically roomy by comparison.
Real_Fig_732@reddit
You'll be fine. You'll probably find some planes that just work for you, but there are plenty of legacy aircraft that you'll have no trouble with.
Marcuuspolo@reddit (OP)
I would've never guessed!
JSTootell@reddit
I flew with a CFI who brought her own "booster seat" with her for the 172 I was flying. I don't know her long term plans, but her dad is/was an airline pilot if I remember correctly.
Marcuuspolo@reddit (OP)
How tall was she? I feel like that is such a small plane no one should be having an issue.
JSTootell@reddit
I didn't ask. She scared me with all the yelling about what I was doing wrong 😂
I'm guessing around 5', which is how tall my GF is.
Marcuuspolo@reddit (OP)
Hahahahaha fair enough
KCPilot17@reddit
No issues. Plenty of shorter pilots out there.
Marcuuspolo@reddit (OP)
I have never noticed! I am going to have to keep my eyes out next time I'm at the airport.
HighVelocitySloth@reddit
They are there. They are tough to see when you are 5’3”. lol
Marcuuspolo@reddit (OP)
Lol yea I guess that truly explains why I don't see them 🙈
Manifestgtr@reddit
All you have to do is make seat adjustment and rudder pedal comfort a priority from day one. I’m 5’10” and it very much applied to me, too. In primary, I barely realized that adjustments could be made that would make things sooooo much better
Marcuuspolo@reddit (OP)
I figured things would be adjustable- just didn't think they would be that adjustable for someone with my height.
balsadust@reddit
Don't worry about it. NetJets got sued for firing a pilot that was "too short" for a specific aircraft. She was very quick to point out that there were pilots being accommodated for being too tall for specific aircraft.
OrganicParamedic6606@reddit
Seems there’s a lot more to it than that, including repeated training problems
https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/ca6/22-3475/22-3475-2023-06-27.html
Marcuuspolo@reddit (OP)
Interesting! Thanks for the answer.
skyHawk3613@reddit
The seat and pedals can be adjusted
spitfire5181@reddit
You're probably going to be a lot more comfortable in corporate jets than taller pilots. Won't have any issues in other airlines as most of the seats are adjustable.
Marcuuspolo@reddit (OP)
This answer is actually such a relief!
Alternative-Cup4721@reddit
I used to worry about this before i started flying. 5’6. Shorter people than me are at it. - airbus pilot
Marcuuspolo@reddit (OP)
If I do pursue this, I'd love to fly an Airbus!
andrewrbat@reddit
My regional sim partner was like 4’11”. She just used a thick cushion to give her a better seating position, and did just fine. Most jets have highly adjustable seats and pedals. I also just flew with an fo who was 7’ a few weeks ago and his only issue was having his headset hit the hud bubble if he had his seat too high.
Marcuuspolo@reddit (OP)
So I am making something out of nothing, got it. Thanks!
MunitionGuyMike@reddit
Seats are adjustablea. Bigger planes have adjustable rudder pedals too
Marcuuspolo@reddit (OP)
Thanks for this information. Makes me feel better!
Boris_the_pipe@reddit
You can fly all of them
Marcuuspolo@reddit (OP)
That is very reassuring! 😌
Altruistic-Cod1330@reddit
You’ll be fine, it’s the really tall people that are wonky in the cockpit.
Marcuuspolo@reddit (OP)
Now that you bring it up, I can see how that can be the case but still having a hard time wrapping my mind around tall people having an issue in the cockpit 😅
seatoskypilot@reddit
Being short is a pilot thing. Take a look next time you’re at an airport.
Marcuuspolo@reddit (OP)
I've never noticed! I have a trip coming up to go out West and I am definitely going to keep an eye out. Thanks.
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
I'm considering pursuing a career as a commercial pilot, but I’m wondering if my height (5'3") would limit the types of aircraft I’d be able to fly, especially if I moved into larger commercial jets.
I know height can be a factor for certain cockpit ergonomics, rudder pedal reach, visibility, etc., but I’m not sure how much of an issue that really is in today’s industry or training programs.
Has anyone here faced (or seen others face) challenges related to being shorter in the cockpit?
Appreciate any insight — personal stories, tips, or even the challenges to be aware of. Thanks!
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