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Best airplane for 4 ft 8 inch pilot to learn or buy?

Asked by: 1685 views Flight Instructor, General Aviation, Light Sport Aircraft, Private Pilot, Student Pilot

Okay I totally messed that question up. I meant 4 ft 8 inches.  What type of airplane would be best to learn to fly for a short person only 4 ft 8.

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2 Answers



  1. ayavner on Jan 19, 2019

    Hi Diane – thanks for clearing that up! Honestly any of the earlier mentioned planes will still work – you can move the seats forward and they make various cushions and back supports. Keep in mind that many young kids take flight lessons (not that you are one) but they would be even shorter than that and they manage. Most trainers out there really are not designed for larger people and I think you’ll find it less of a disadvantage than you think. Why not go out to a local airfield on a weekend and ask some pilots or a school if you can sit in their planes and try them out for size?

    In my Cherokee, I find that the seats move forward far enough that it would be impossible for me to move my legs – that should be enough to get you going, but please let us know what you find out or decide!

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  2. KDS on Jan 19, 2019

    You might want to take a look at the movie Right Footed. It’s about a lady who was born without arms. Among other accomplishments, she learned to fly and received a pilot certificate. Sometimes, being on the edge of the bell curve is an advantage.

    I did work with a flight school that used Diamond DA-20’s for training. I think that airplane would fit you like a glove. They aren’t the common training, but if you can find one in your area, be sure to check it out.

    But, don’t think you’re restricted or limited. I once had a student who swore he couldn’t fly without a boat cushion I initially provided for him that let him sit higher in the seat. It reminded me of Dumbo’s Magic Feather. He didn’t believe he could fly without it. I began to regret ever letting him use that cushion and it took a lot of convincing to get him to fly without it. Today, he is a DPE in two aircraft categories and never uses anything but the standard seat adjustments.

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