Fly Lah!

Greetings everyone! I am here to seek for some advices regarding my problem as stated in the title Ok, I know this is not a new topic in the aviation field as I have read some discussions on this issue on the internet but unlike most of the pilot wannabes out there whose height is only 3-5cm shorter than what is required, I am very sad to tell that I am only 150cm tall. I have always wanted to be an airline pilot since young because I am not the type of person who likes to sit in the office all day long. I like to learn new things, take new challenges and get new experiences. So I started to research about this profession when I was in Form 5 and I got this heartbreaking info about the height requirement. I mean this is not something which is under my control because I am born this way, sad but true the short genes just run in the family. After SPM when my relatives asked what do I want to be, I proudly answered them I want to be a pilot and what I get in return is the ridiculous look in their eyes which hurt me so so much! Other than being short, I am good for the rest of the requirements, I got A1 in English, Mathematics and Physics for SPM and most importantly I have the passion and interest, which I believe are the two crucial elements that can motivates me to do my best.

I went on to do more research and I took someone’s advice and continue with my studies to get a degree as a backup plan. I was also hoping that I would discover some new interests in other fields by pursuing a degree then maybe I can let go of this dream. So after 4 years, I am now a 23 years old science degree holder but I have yet to forget about this dream job of mine. I just cant let it go although I have stopped mentioning a single thing about it in front of anyone, including my parents and close friends.

No matter how much I want to be a commercial pilot, I have to be realistic and honest to myself. I am old enough to bare with the consequences of my decision. I know I don’t stand a single chance to be selected to join the cadet pilot program offered by any airlines so the only choice left for me is through the flying schools. I am prepared to join the jobless queue after graduating AS LONG AS there is still a chance for me to get hired by any of the airlines. Everyone knows that getting a license privately involves a big amount of money and I do not wish to see myself in the awful situation of not even having a chance to realize my dream after spending all the money. According to the information I got from MFA, height is not so much of a problem anymore because the seats in cockpit now are adjustable, which means they can move front back and up down but I do not know how true it is. I have also sent DCA a letter regarding this problem and they sent me back an approved letter. My question is do airlines even bother to hire short pilot like me? Please tell me about your advice and opinions regarding my situation, I would truly appreciate it. Sorry for the long winded grandmother story and thank you very much.

Height is something BUT not everything...Take a shot and see what comes your way...Don't hesitate to try..

bro, i know exactly how u feel... Honestly, we are the same in the sense that after obtaining our degree, we still can't let go of our dream to become a pilot.. Good to know i'm not alone in this

Honestly, if DCA also approved this, i think u should just give it a shot and apply.. Atleast in ur life, u won't question yourself "what if".... Give it a try bro.. and i hope u succeed in becoming a pilot one day.. and i hope i do to

I'm a short guy too, so i understand your feelings man. However, whether or not airliners will hire you, that's something we cant control right? Lets face it bro, deep down you know that your chances being hired (even if you get the license) is very very slim considering the already very competitive market amongst private candidates not to mention you not meeting the height requirements.

However, if DCA says that you're good to go, in theory you should be able to fly for airliners as well right? I'm not trying to be a wet blanket here, but you're about 3 inches (7cm) shorter than the shortest height requirement for any cadet programme(ethihad 157cm and also US air force 157cm as well). Why do you think there's a height requirement?

I would like to ask you this, are you passionate about flying or are you passionate about flying for an airliner? There's no reason why you cant fly as a hobby even if you don't make the cut to fly for airliners(since DCA approved you for the course / check out Jessica Cox too kay?). IMO if you have the spare time and money for the leap of faith your'e considering by all means go ahead bro, chase your dreams! However, if your'e the poor and connectionless chap like the most of us here, i would say please don't go for the commercial license.

Whatever it is, it's your decision mate please don't regret it! All the best in your future endeavors.

I think airlines' height requirement depends on the type of aircraft they operate. Most importantly pilots must be able to adjust their seats to the reference eye point of the aircraft, be able to reach the furthest buttons / switches / circuit breakers when you are still strapped into your seat, and fully depress the rudder pedals and apply foot brakes. I have a friend that fulfill the height requirement for Cathay but because physically her legs were short, she failed the 2nd interview on medical ground.

If your passion is flying, there are a lot of other options e.g. corporate jets / charter / medical evac / flight instructing, which I think the height requirement (if any) are far less stringent than airlines.

DCA will approve you to do a CPL/IR course if you meet the academic requirement. CPL/IR is not only for airline flying, but also applicable for all the above. So if you want to do ONLY airline flying, better find out what are their height requirements before sinking your investments. If you don't mind other form of flying, then I suppose there's no issue.

skyshadow wrote:Height is something BUT not everything...Take a shot and see what comes your way...Don't hesitate to try..

Hi skyshadow, thanks for your encouragement bro! I am still thinking twice as I will be using my parents' hard earned money to pay the fees. How I wish I can just pay the fees and do my best to go after my dream without needing to worry abt other factors, haha! Anyway all the best to you

-- Sat Jan 28, 2012 2:00 am --

shazwanrahman wrote:bro, i know exactly how u feel... Honestly, we are the same in the sense that after obtaining our degree, we still can't let go of our dream to become a pilot.. Good to know i'm not alone in this

Honestly, if DCA also approved this, i think u should just give it a shot and apply.. Atleast in ur life, u won't question yourself "what if".... Give it a try bro.. and i hope u succeed in becoming a pilot one day.. and i hope i do to

Hi shazwanrahman, sounds like we are on the same boat! Are you on your way to achieve your dream or are you planning to do so? Like what I said to skyshadow, this is a very "expensive" dream and what makes me so worried is that the money that I will be using to settle the fees belongs to my parents' and I definitely want to use the money for a good reason Anyway, although I did mention about becoming a commercial pilot in the letter I sent to DCA, but the title of the letter was to apply for the approval to get an PPL license. Maybe I should write another one asking for CPL instead. Thanks bro for the wishes, all the best to you too!

Hey Ah Meng... Well, so far i already have my approval letter from DCA today, thank god

I have recently apply for Air Asia cadet program but have yet to receive any feedbacks from them... So i dont know how to classify it, either on my way to achieve my dream or planning to... What ever it may be, its still a long road ahead of me

don't worry. follows ur heart, achieve your dream. without effort u got nothing. there's many ways to become a pilot, whether we follow hard or easy method. GO GO GO!

papayaboy wrote:I'm a short guy too, so i understand your feelings man. However, whether or not airliners will hire you, that's something we cant control right? Lets face it bro, deep down you know that your chances being hired (even if you get the license) is very very slim considering the already very competitive market amongst private candidates not to mention you not meeting the height requirements.

However, if DCA says that you're good to go, in theory you should be able to fly for airliners as well right? I'm not trying to be a wet blanket here, but you're about 3 inches (7cm) shorter than the shortest height requirement for any cadet programme(ethihad 157cm and also US air force 157cm as well). Why do you think there's a height requirement?

I would like to ask you this, are you passionate about flying or are you passionate about flying for an airliner? There's no reason why you cant fly as a hobby even if you don't make the cut to fly for airliners(since DCA approved you for the course / check out Jessica Cox too kay?). IMO if you have the spare time and money for the leap of faith your'e considering by all means go ahead bro, chase your dreams! However, if your'e the poor and connectionless chap like the most of us here, i would say please don't go for the commercial license.

Whatever it is, it's your decision mate please don't regret it! All the best in your future endeavors.

Hi papayaboy! Sound like we are on the same boat too! Glad to meet someone who understands my pain I can see that you are trying to knock some sense into me and I totally get what you said. To answer your question, I have always wanted to be an airline pilot since young and height is the only thing that is holding me back. Well, sad to say that I am just like most of you guys here who are connectionless and the fees will definitely burn a huge hole in my parents pocket... Are you a commercial pilot bro? Its ok if you dont feel like telling coz I am just curious when you said you are a short guy too Thanks bro for your wish and opinions, really appreciate them!

PS: Sorry for the late reply, I have been sick for the past few days.

-- Wed Feb 01, 2012 2:25 am --

alberttky wrote:I think airlines' height requirement depends on the type of aircraft they operate. Most importantly pilots must be able to adjust their seats to the reference eye point of the aircraft, be able to reach the furthest buttons / switches / circuit breakers when you are still strapped into your seat, and fully depress the rudder pedals and apply foot brakes. I have a friend that fulfill the height requirement for Cathay but because physically her legs were short, she failed the 2nd interview on medical ground.

If your passion is flying, there are a lot of other options e.g. corporate jets / charter / medical evac / flight instructing, which I think the height requirement (if any) are far less stringent than airlines.

DCA will approve you to do a CPL/IR course if you meet the academic requirement. CPL/IR is not only for airline flying, but also applicable for all the above. So if you want to do ONLY airline flying, better find out what are their height requirements before sinking your investments. If you don't mind other form of flying, then I suppose there's no issue.

Hi alberttky, thanks for the information. Just like what you said here, someone once told me that the height requirement set is to make sure pilots can operate the aircraft safely, it is an safety issue. But I am still wondering if it is something that can be overcome? I am not sure if its appropriate for me to compared flying an aircraft to driving a car but I always put a pillow behind my back when I am driving a bigger car so that I can easily reach the pedals and at the same time have a clear sights of the roads.

At the same time, I feel really sorry for what happened to your friend, she must be very upset for that, I can feel her

The options that you suggested here sounds good, I used to want myself to fly for airlines only but now I dont mind other forms of flying, even flying cargo is good for me. Do you think you can provide me with more information about the options that you suggested such as how common they are in Malaysia, who can be my possible employer and can I rely on it to earn a decent living etc? Thanks in advance for you help bro!

PS: Sorry for the late reply as I was sick for the past few days.

-- Wed Feb 01, 2012 2:26 am --

shazwanrahman wrote:Hey Ah Meng... Well, so far i already have my approval letter from DCA today, thank god

I have recently apply for Air Asia cadet program but have yet to receive any feedbacks from them... So i dont know how to classify it, either on my way to achieve my dream or planning to... What ever it may be, its still a long road ahead of me

Good for you bro! Best wishes to you

-- Wed Feb 01, 2012 2:29 am --

qudienputra wrote:don't worry. follows ur heart, achieve your dream. without effort u got nothing. there's many ways to become a pilot, whether we follow hard or easy method. GO GO GO!

Hi qudienputra, thanks for your encouragement! Any suggestions for me on other ways which can possibly help me to achieve my dream?

Nothing never stands before you if you want to pursue your dream Keep trying and you will success in one day