Minimum pilot height?

Bambino · June 16, 2018

Hello guys, I am a new subscriber and am a fixed wing commercial pilot currently rated on the B737.

I have always had some interest for the rotorcraft world and I intend to obtain a PPL(H).

I am only 5'2'' and I have been able to fly most of the aircraft without the need of cushion, which was required mainly on older planes such as the Cherokee 140.

At 5'2" would I have problems based on your experience if I were to fly a G2 or R22 or even a Bell?

I stil don't know on what machine I will do my training on as I still have to find a place but I am based in Europe and I realise this forum is US centric.

Eric Hunt · June 18, 2018

Yes you will have problems. The R22 cyclic is designed to swing down and be held in the right hand, resting on your right thigh. But if you suffer from Duck's Disease* your thigh will be lower, so the swing of the cyclic will take it between your legs, an uncomfortable place to hold it.

Go to K-Mart, buy a child's rubber booster seat. It will lift you up, and get you close enough to the pedals to use them fully.

*Your @ss is too close to the ground

overtorque · July 16, 2018

Being short is an advantage since you probably weigh less. Robinson makes booster seats that get you up to the pedals if you can't reach em.

Deferred · July 30, 2018

The R22 POH mentions a cushion that is supplied with each helicopter to place behind a shorter pilot.

Chewberta · August 15, 2018

No worries, the 22 is soooo tiny my daughter who is a little over five feet has no problems, ciclic correctly placed and pedals within reach.

The problems in the 22 are for people like me who go well over 6 feet and whose weight is barely in line with the safety of the ship. My headphones scratch the roof of the cabin and my right elbow is crammed between me and the plexy.