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Question
i want to become a pilot, but i'm intimidated by my size.. i'm only 5'6.. is this too short to become a pilot?
Absolutely not! Who would have given you such an idea? There are lots of pilots your height and shorter. It's actually an advantage if your weight is proportional to your height - in small airplanes there is a noticeable difference in performance with a 140 pound pilot compared to a 200 pounder. The greatest avaitor who ever pushed a throttle (in my opinion) was Jimmy Doolittle, and he was about 5'4". When I was teaching aerobatics I had a pretty good student who was so short he had to sit on an extra seat cushion so he could see over the instrument panel. Don't let you height worry you, when you're 4,000 feet up a couple of inches one way or the other doesn't matter at all!
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Answers by Expert:
Jeff Davis
Expertise
I can answer questions about general aviation, learning to fly, how to get started, and how to buy an airplane. Area of specialty is aerobatic flying. I do not have any expertise in flight training opportunities for students outside the USA, and I am not qualified to offer advice on becoming an airline pilot.
Experience
I am no longer active in aerobatic flying, but was formerly a professional airshow performer and aerobatic flight instructor, with extensive experience in Decathlon and Pitts aircraft and light experience in other types. I also competed in IAC sanctioned competition through the Advanced level.
Organizations
No longer active, past member of Experimental Aircraft Association, International Aerobatic Club, International Council of Air Shows, and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.
Publications
World Airshow News
Education/Credentials
Commercial and instrument rated, certificated flight instructor since 1986
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