Big and tall pilot
Posted by Quackarov@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 52 comments
I saw this type of post a lot but I wanted to see what the community thought on my specific scenario.
I am 6'9", around 330 lbs. I tried sitting in an older 172 and did not have full flight control deflection. I barely fit in a 182, having to tuck my knees when my friend was flying.
Flying is my dream but this keeps holding me back. I want to lose weight but it is so hard to get inspiration.
Any advice is welcome. I know I need to lose weight, especially for myself, not even the flying. Is there any point in trying to start training, or is it out of the question until I get lighter?
Difficult_Swing_4175@reddit
Hey man, I’m 200cm (about 6’7”) and I fit into the 172, even though I’m more uncomfortable than someone who’s shorter, it’s the same for short people who are heavier. Those two problems together only compound the issue of being uncomfortable as you know.
You’ve got this, finding the motivation to loose weight and developing a no excuses mentality will really help you in aviation. Let us know how you go best of luck!
KITTYONFYRE@reddit
check out the r/fitness wiki, it’s got great basic info.
it’s really tough starting tbh. it’s hard to know what’s good info and what’s bad, there’s so much out there. the r/fitness wiki keeps it simple enough that nobody (…or, nobody you should listen to) will disagree with its basic steps
starting is the hardest part. by far. if you start down a good path, the first 5 pounds are by far the hardest. deciding to start and keeping with it for 2 weeks until you see measurable progress is really tough. for my personal experience (but in reverse, I was extraordinarily underweight for the first two decades of my life), it was crazy hard to start but once I got that visual and measurable feedback it gets way easier to see “damn what I’m doing is actually working, I can actually do this and it’s not as hard as I thought”
good luck no matter what happens man. it’s super difficult but you’re capable of it, without a doubt
No-Arugula8122@reddit
Try zepbound. I’m down 65 lbs in 7 months
PapaJon988@reddit
Make sure you follow the AME guidance for them though. AMEs love it when you show up randomly with a new prx on your record and no paperwork as to why.
subreddette@reddit
The FAA website explains what documentation you need, it’s not complicated.
FrankiePoops@reddit
One Meal a Day and walking 15,000 steps a day did it for me. First few weeks suck but I dropped 60 lbs in less than a year.
hutthuttindabutt@reddit
this - I dropped 38lbs in 3 months
554TangoAlpha@reddit
I’ve flown with guys your height. It’s the weight that is the issue
Icy_Construction9405@reddit
"Flying is my dream but this keeps holding me back. I want to lose weight but it is so hard to get inspiration."
If is your dream and the only inconvenient is to lose weight, it should be enough motivation no?
Quackarov@reddit (OP)
You are right, and I should have expected to hear something like this. It sounds stupid, I am just very self conscious.
the_devils_advocates@reddit
The best time to start working on it was yesterday. The next best time is today.
NotBisweptual@reddit
You’re gonna have to find a way to get out of your head. If your self-conscious expands to being ashamed of making mistakes, you’re asking for problems.
You gotta get okay with being told you’re not doing something right, or it’s unsafe, and be willing to actually talk about it to learn how to get better.
flyghu@reddit
This is correct. While there's no single thing incredibly difficult about becoming a pilot it's still hard enough that only a tiny portion of the population does it. Most of it comes down to the desire to make it happen. Some fail because they didn't have the aptitude, but most fail because they are not willing to do what it takes to overcome the obstacle they face.
Not trying to be hard on you, but if you don't want to fly enough to cut your calories you likely won't make it to solo before you quit for some other excuse.
Quackarov@reddit (OP)
I appreciate it. I need to hear this.
Tacticalqueefsss@reddit
Bro, get on Retatrutide like everyone else. That plus working out, you’ll drop 30lbs in 8 weeks.
happyherbivore@reddit
I feel like the only person who think all these weight loss shortcuts are going to show some serious downsides in 10-15 years when everyone who used them suddenly gets some kind of currently unknown bone-itis that rendered the users into goo sacks.
flyghu@reddit
Think of it as managing your W&B. Lose 10 gallons of 100LL. More flexibility with your passengers and how you load them for CG.
I'm 6'2" and lost weight to make flying more fun. Just do it. I love beer. Unfortunately I really like the big, bold high calorie ones, which was most of my problem. Cutting back to let it be a treat instead of a regular indulgence was all it took. Identify your change(s) and make it happen.
ZappBrannigansLaw@reddit
I was in a similar situation. I wasn't as large, but i decided that I needed to lose weight before I would start flying. I am 6'4" and 265. I am comfortable in a 172 at this point.
It is hard making the change , but it is worth it!
megaduce104@reddit
its actually funny how accommodating the skyhawk is for larger individuals.
LaLaPooPoop@reddit
Eat less calories, stop eating out, walk 10,000 steps a day and get in that 182 dude. Losing weight isn’t hard, controlling the impulse to eat like a fatbody is
CivilHedgehog2@reddit
That is a pretty unhealthy weight. I’m not sure you would be able to get a medical, but maybe the US is different. Lacking motivation to lose it? If this isn’t the motivation then what is?
frijoles84@reddit
If you can pass the drug test and don’t go to the doctor for anything pretty much anyone can get a medical in the US
Even though at that weight he definitely has some health issues and or sleep apnea. Hopefully he finds the motivation he needs to get the job done.
I imagine it is tough to actually be within the forward cg limit. I remember years ago flying Cherokee 180 with a big tubby dude in the right seat and it took full yoke and a lot of trim to keep the plane from smashing the nose gear into the ground
Quackarov@reddit (OP)
Good to hear someone say it, I appreciate it, thank you.
CivilHedgehog2@reddit
You can do it. It’s not difficult, it’s just really hard. Get fit, get flying, and you will have something to keep you healthy for the rest of your (Longer!) life.
yocray@reddit
Have you tried sitting in a Diamond? A yoke takes up way more space than a centre stick.
Torvaldicus_Unknown@reddit
My dad is 6’9 and he flies for a living. You can do it!
Timrf79@reddit
I am 6’6” and my weight moves between 250 and 275. The 182 is probably one of the roomiest planes (I have one). At some point in my life I decided to run a little bit… it spiraled over years into ultra marathons and triathlons. My lowest weight was ~180. However I never had a goal to loose weight, I just took enjoyment from the journey.
Maybe you can combine flying with something that is fun to you? Running, rowing, cycling, etc…
PapaJon988@reddit
Can’t do anything about the height. But pretty small changes in diet can get the ball rolling pretty quick with weight. I’m 6’ and stated flight training pushing 300#. Just watched portions and switched to no sugar drinks brought me down about 40#. Meal prep focusing on 2000 calories per day pretty much only counting protein and carbs has me down to 225 from 280 since last year. Only exercise I do is the Starting Strength program and walking. I try to get 10K steps a day and drink water. We all know the secret sauce is that there is no secret sauce.
live_drifter@reddit
At that size and weight you really aren’t going to fit in any training aircraft safely. Remember you do not need to just get in you also need to be able to get out in the event of an emergency.
Your best bet is going to be lose weight to make it easier to find an aircraft to fit in.
Your other option is to look into purchasing an aircraft for training, however cockpit size can only be so big, even a cirrus as recommended won’t be a good fit for you at 6’9” so you’re going to remain very limited at that size unfortunately.
Flyingredditburner44@reddit
Anti-stall device aka the gut
Captain_Flannel@reddit
I'm 6'4", not quite your height but a big boy nonetheless. In my experience cessnas are not built for tall people. I got much better in most Pipers. If you can get into a piper Cherokee you may find that works better for you.
For light single engine airplanes the piper Comanche has just about the most room, wide cabin and lots of leg/headroom. Though you would be hard pressed to find them in a trainer fleet.
Keep in mind not all 172 and 182 are the same. New models are much easier to fit in than older models.
setthrustpositive@reddit
Anything with a side stick.
As for Cessnas: L-19 is your only option for single engine planes. I'm 6' and have tons of room above me
Certain Pipers in the cherokee line have a seat that moves down almost 4 inches.
Kemerd@reddit
Go experimental or try something with a side stick
Frosty_Piece7098@reddit
Bro put down the fork. Is achieving your dream not motivation enough?
blueBaggins1@reddit
Stop eating so much
Darrell456@reddit
Bud I know two guys that are both 6’8 giants. Both airline pilots. I’ve met others. They got their ratings just like you. There’s a way.
Rainebowraine123@reddit
No matter your weight, 6' 9" is going to be tall for any GA airplane. Even some smaller commercial aircraft are going to be a tight fit.
Rush_1_1@reddit
Be smarter with diet and cut carbs after dinner for an egg or two with spinach (protein makes you feel full).
Try to burn 150-200 cals 3 times a week from workouts, literally 10-15 min run, 10 min body weight workout).
Don't drink for a few months.
This alone will start to drop your weight consistently and build your motivation to push more.
Quackarov@reddit (OP)
I appreciate it, thank you.
ATrainDerailReturns@reddit
“Flying is my dream but this keeps holding me back. I want to lose weight but it is so hard to get inspiration.”
Bro what it’s either your dream or not
If you want it go earn it.
Quackarov@reddit (OP)
I need to hear this, thank you!
NeutralArt12@reddit
I’m not nearly your size but have some limitations at 6’8” but more than 100 pounds lighter. For me nearly every GA aircraft I can fit in.
Painful category- c152, 150. Limited flights to 1.4 hours and legs always fell asleep. Couldn’t full engage the brakes but aerodynamic breaking was good enough
Fine category- most pipers, cirrus, diamonds, lances, experimentals I wasn’t typically comfortable in but I could prevent my legs from falling asleep by thinking about leg position. I could use every feature of the airplane and sometimes had to slightly move legs to adjust power or yoke
Comfortable cat- c172, c182. If you can find a way to fit in these you are cooked. These are bigger than anything you’ll fly professionally until the end of your career
Ok-Selection4206@reddit
You will fight getting and maintaining an FAA medical certificate at every physical. Lose the weight. Stop eating anything that tastes good. Thats what I did for my medical and lost 36 lbs. I also walked 3-4 times a week 2.5 to 3 miles. Not that hard.
RonMexico2005@reddit
OP, read the book "The Obesity Code" by Dr. Jason Fung.
Extremely helpful book in terms of understanding why folks get fat and how to reverse it.
Fung also publishes videos of himself talking on YouTube. He is not charismatic but has good information.
JadedJared@reddit
I know a pilot who is overweight and his main weight loss driving factor was to lose enough weight to be able to fly in some specific aerobatic plane (Citabra maybe). Dude started walking like 4 miles a day and has lost a ton of weight. I thought it was cool that he used that as motivation and it is working. Maybe getting into aviation can be your inspiration to lose weight and not only will you gain the opportunity to live your dream but you’ll also live a happier healthier life.
stickJ0ckey@reddit
I'm 6'3/220 and barely fit in most GA planes :( maybe we should start looking at boats instead?
Quackarov@reddit (OP)
Damn, what sort of GA planes do you usually fly in?
pixels-number-1-fan@reddit
You can never be too small or too rich to fly
11colaroja@reddit
I’m a bigger pilot and I realized I hate going to the gym but I love being outdoors. I hate jogging but I love running stadiums. Feels so good to get to the top and the other end of the stadium and look down and see the work I did. I haven’t changed my diet much but I keep in mind that I have to burn more calories than I eat. Maybe find a workout you enjoy and just do that consistently. Good luck
Classic-Event3805@reddit
It’s going be expensive but maybe try Cirrus
YugeWaterBottle@reddit
Losing weight is investing in yourself. Do you care about being healthy? Do you want to be able to live long and enjoy life? Do you want to be able to enjoy hobbies? Sounds like plenty of motivation to lose weight to me.
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
I saw this type of post a lot but I wanted to see what the community thought on my specific scenario.
I am 6'9", around 330 lbs. I tried sitting in an older 172 and did not have full flight control deflection. I barely fit in a 182, having to tuck my knees when my friend was flying.
Flying is my dream but this keeps holding me back. I want to lose weight but it is so hard to get inspiration.
Any advice is welcome. I know I need to lose weight, especially for myself, not even the flying. Is there any point in trying to start training, or is it out of the question until I get lighter?
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