The shortest pilot you've ever met

Emmanual Lewis used to take flight training from the school where I got my private. I believe he had to have special extensions to reach the rudder pedals.
 
I don't know how short he was but James Jabara (the first USAF jet ace) was short enough that he needed a block to push the rudder peddles all the way down on a F-86 sabre. He seemed to do OK.
 
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5'4" and the only planes that I have ever had issues with are 172's and some older Cherokee's. Apparently when you start flying aircraft over $1mil, manufactures feel you've been hazed long enough and have earned full seat adjustment privileges. And like others have said it definitely can work to our advantage in smaller jets/turboprops. I couldn't imagine being 6' and squeezing up front into a Meridian/etc. Plus that extra headroom can save you a headache in moderate+ turbulence. ;-)
 
ChasenSFO said:
Oh? Do tell, sir. Do tell.
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No personal experience, but if you were active on the various lesser forums circa 2005 or so, you'd have heard stories of the Mesa Midget. Apparently he was a Captain on the 1900 (that dates it, doesn't it?) I'm told there were props of some kind that allowed him to accutate the rudder pedals. All third hand or worse, of course, but I'll bet there's some codger around here who will check in with a Sighting.
 
One of my flight instructors in college (female) was 5'1" on a good day. She ended up flying for Pinnacle; I don't think your height will be an issue.
 
I knew a short person at the college. He had an Oregon Aero seat and extensions on the pedals it worked for him.
 
i rent from a fellow who uses xtra pillow to see over the shield. i think he is probably around 5'1".
but look on the other side, it benefits the instructor during instrument training. dont have to worry about student pilot peeking outside.

how about flipping the script!! the TALLEST PILOT ever met?
during my PVT training, one of my classmates had a really hard time adjusting to the diamond DA-40. the room between his top of the head and canopy was just about 1/2 inch to 1 inch. not sure of his exact height but he was def no shorter than 6'1"
 
The shortest pilot I have flown with is my girlfriend which is 5'2'' and second shortest is Adler 5'2 1/2" :)
 
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