A short form fluid dynamic bearing motor is provided comprising a stationary shaft attached at a first end to a motor cover, a plate supported on a second end of the shaft, a hub rotatably supported on the shaft, a journal gap defined between an outer diameter of the shaft and an inner diameter of the hub, a fluid bearing in the journal gap, a thrust gap defined between a lower surface of the hub and an upper surface of the plate, and an air (or other gas) bearing in the thrust gap.