Expert: David A. NewMyer - 4/6/2006

Question
My daughter (17) is interested in becoming a pilot, but has had some difficulty determining if she would qualify for commercial aircraft because of her height - she is just a little over 5'2".  Is there a different height requirement depending on the type of aircraft?  

Answer
Hi, Dawn:

This is a question that comes up from time to time and is very logical to ask.  The Air Force has a minimum height requirement of 64 inches or five feet four inches...but the commercial airlines have more generally worded requirements such as "height sufficient to operate all controls."

What I would suggest is to contact the Human Resources or People departments of the airlines that interet you or your daughter the most and ask them directly about this point.

Remember also that the aviation industry has all sorts of jobs that relate to aviation but do not involve flying....there are about 2.1 million aviation industry jobs in aviation manufacturing, airlines, general aviation and aviation-related government agencies (including airports).  So, there is probably something in aviation that your daughter might be interested in outside of flying but still in aviation.....

Check these websites for more information:

www.aviationemployment.com

www.aeps.com

www.wai.org (website for Women in Aviation International, which is a very helpful organization for women interested in aviation)

Best wishes to you and your daughter,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
http://www.aviation.siu.edu
Home of the Top Female Pilots in the Nation as determined by the National Intercollegiate Flying Association in 1999, 2001 and 2005