Ask Captain Lim - Many queries from a young aspiring lady pilot

1. I am a 14 year old student studying in Singapore and I'm contemplating accepting an offer to a school that skips O levels but doesn't offer A levels. It only offers SATs and AP exams. Can I still aspire to be a pilot if I don't do my O Levels and A Levels? Would it be wiser to do the O Levels, or skip the O levels and do A levels? If I don't get O or A level qualifications, does that mean I can't be a pilot?

2. Are there any specific subjects that one has to be good at to qualify as a pilot? Other than Mathematics, Science and English, is it advisable to know Geography as well?

3. I've also heard that one needs to be tall and have long legs to be a pilot. Is that true? Is there a height requirement for pilots?

4. Is it true that some airlines don't accept female pilots?

5. If one has mild scoliosis (less than 10 degrees) can he/she still be a pilot?

6. Are there any particular university courses one should take if he/she is aspiring to be a pilot?

Thanks and hope to hear from you soon.

Carissa

Hi Carissa,

1. Please look at the minimum requirements for joining the SIA cadet pilot program under topic 'Aspiring to be a Pilot'. They would require you to have at least 2 'A 'Level and 2 'O' level passes or a Polytechnic Diploma or a Degree.

2. You need to be good in science subjects like the ones you have mentioned. Other subjects like Geography, etc are only optional or not even required.

3. Yes, you must be of average height. It is not necessary to be tall or have long legs. I rarely see height being mentioned in pilots recruitment except for Cathay Pacific Airways that require their cadet pilot aspirants to be at least 1.6 meters tall.

4. Yes, some airlines have an unwritten policy of not accepting female pilots. But Air Asia and some general aviation companies welcome female pilots.

5. I am afraid I am not a doctor and I am not sure whether scoliosis (lateral spinal curvature) would disqualify you from becoming a pilot. I believe Scoliosis can be treated. Check it out with a specialized aviation doctor to find out on this medical condition.

6. Any University courses related to science would be an advantage but airlines do not normally spell out any specific area that one should major in.