Ask Captain Lim ~ All about Aviation

Hello Captain Lim!

When I first came across your site I was tickled at how candid it appeared to be, especially the adorable "Ask Captain Lim" title! But you really put in serious thought to your answers and to be honest, this site seems to be even more informative than "official" sites of piloting and airlines.

A few questions...

Right to the point - I'm 20, female and 1.62m tall - does the fact that I am female affect my chances at being a pilot (chances meaning from passing the examinations to getting a job with an airline)? I know I'm only 20 years old and have quite a few years before I*m even eligible to apply (am I eligible to apply for pilot school before 26 years old?), but it's a career move after all and I want to make sure I've a decent shot before forking out my life savings on aviation!

Is there an "international" license? I*m sure there are specific criterions set by those airlines but what are the complications if one decides to fly with a major carrier of another country?

Also, another thing I am curious about, why has MAS and SIA set a height requirement for pilots?

Thank you so much and keep up the great site!

Elizabeth

Hi Liz,

Your email gives me an opportunity to explain to all that what was innocently created to help a few, has become almost unmanageable now. I am receiving too many emails! Most are asking repeated questions ? just like yours. Perhaps I ought to have changed the title of my site to something like "Don'tAskCaptainLimTooManyQuestions?"or "Don'tAskCaptainLimRepeatedQuestions")

Anyway, I may have to think of ways of presenting past FAQ to readers more easily! (The problem is the time factor!) Meanwhile, to all those who wrote to me, please understand that I have read your mails but will answer only those that are new and interesting.

Regarding your question on height and chances of a female becoming an airline pilot, please read "Can I become an airline pilot when I am only 163 cm tall?" and "Will the airline industry discriminate against female pilots".

On the age issue, MAS minimum is 18 years whereas for Singaporean citizens wanting to join SIA, it is 26 years. If you are a Malaysian, the 26 years limit is not applicable. Yes, you can join a pilot school anytime now.

If you can overcome the height problem (company policy) a female is not disadvantaged in any way if she can pass the rigorous selection process. Remember, SIA do not take in female pilots but regional carrier Silk Air and MAS have recently changed their policies of employing lady pilots.

Even though there is an "International" license such as the ICAO ATPL or American FAA ATP, pilots with these licenses need to convert them to the local ones by passing at least the National ?Air Law? exam. Some countries require some sort of license conversion, especially the FAA ATP licenses before they can be hired. Please read "What are the chances of me being an Asian airline pilot?".