Are pilots afraid of heights?

Pilots with a fear of heights aren't uncommon and in fact, the majority of people who are afraid of heights aren't affected by flying in an aircraft. There is a strong feeling of security when you close the door, and you should feel very comfortable in the hands of an experienced instructor.



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It is estimated that 35 percent of all airline crews, flight attendants and pilots, also have either a fear of heights or flying. We do this for a living, so don't worry if you do too. The key is recognizing it and getting it under control.

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Pilots are trained to handle all sorts of nerve-racking situations, but that doesn't mean that they don't get scared—especially in these real instances, told by the pilots who experienced them, of serious in-flight fear.

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Takeoff and landing are widely considered the most dangerous parts of a flight.

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Turbulence is a sudden and sometimes violent shift in airflow. Those irregular motions in the atmosphere create air currents that can cause passengers on an airplane to experience annoying bumps during a flight, or it can be severe enough to throw an airplane out of control. (The pilots) aren't scared at all.

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There is no standing height requirement. Army pilots. The U.S. Army requires pilots to have a standing height of 5'4? to 6'6?. They must have a sitting height of 40.15 inches and a reach of at least 64.5 inches.

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However, once in the air you don't have the same effects of acrophobia that many people have on high buildings. Essentially, all perspective of height is removed when you look out the window of an airplane and thus the cues that trigger acrophobia.

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First Time Flying Tips: How to Calm Your Nerves
  1. Arrive to the airport early so you don't feel rushed. ...
  2. Prepare for motion sickness (just in case) ...
  3. Only drink water before your flight. ...
  4. Pay attention to the safety instructions before takeoff. ...
  5. Make yourself feel at home. ...
  6. If possible, travel with a friend. ...
  7. Bring chewing gum.


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Here are the steps you take to become a pilot:
  1. Research Pilot Schools. ...
  2. Take an Admissions Flight. ...
  3. Apply for FAA Medical Certificate. ...
  4. Apply for FAA Student Pilot Certificate. ...
  5. Start Flight Training Lessons. ...
  6. Pass Private Pilot Knowledge Test. ...
  7. Pass Private Pilot Practical Exam.


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While there are BMI guidelines that are considered part of your general health, there is no specific minimum or maximum weight required to become a pilot.

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There are no specific height restrictions for pilots under FAA rules. Flight schools and commercial airlines accept pilots for training as long as they are physically able to reach the controls and obtain a full rudder deflection in the aircraft they will operate.

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When an aircraft experiences turbulence, the plane can drop or change altitude suddenly. This is why pilots always caution passengers to buckle up and stay seated when they are experiencing flight turbulence. The sudden movements put passengers at risk.

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While turbulence can feel scary, airplanes are designed to withstand massive amounts of it. A plane cannot be flipped upside-down, thrown into a tailspin, or otherwise flung from the sky by even the mightiest gust or air pocket, wrote pilot Patrick Smith on his site, AskThePilot.com.

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