additional space

papakeith · Post by **papakeith** » Tue Feb 28, 2006 8:06 pm

If I end up fitting into one of the RV series planes, space will be at a premium. Most notably, shoulder room.
I came across this page regarding John Hughes' RV6 and the cutouts he made in his cockpit to give him an additional inch or so of shoulder room.

http://www.experimentalair.com/n703rv/t ... oulderroom

My question is, isn't the part that is being sliced and diced an integral part of the structure of the aircraft?

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Tue Feb 28, 2006 9:32 pm

I am not sure, but the -7 is wider than the -6 anyways. Keith, sit in a -7 next you get a chance and see how it fits.

CJ

jim_geo · Post by **jim_geo** » Tue Feb 28, 2006 9:34 pm

I'm not sure but I think that the 7 had some space modification designed in.

prestwich · Post by **prestwich** » Tue Feb 28, 2006 10:07 pm

The -7 is indeed wider than the -6, by about 1 1/2" per occupant, judging by Van's website info (43" vs. 40" at the shoulder.) It's taller, too, which is great for me. I really had to scrunch down to get in a -6. Of course, the -8 is going to give you even more width.

papakeith · Post by **papakeith** » Tue Feb 28, 2006 10:23 pm

John,

Come April, I'll be sitting in as many planes as I can in a two day period. I'll be heading to lakeland FL for Sun n Fun to see what there is to see. I can't wait to get up close and personal with all of them.

papakeith · Post by **papakeith** » Tue Feb 28, 2006 10:24 pm

I've got a feeling even in a 7 I'd take up a good chunk of it. another inch by this mod would be a godsend. 1.5 more per side would give me an effective 46 inch cabin width!

Post by **Spike** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 9:34 am

Sounds like you need to build a 10

papakeith · Post by **papakeith** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 9:43 am

have you seen my bank account?

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 9:51 am

hey, if i can build one on the .50 cents i have left over every month...so can you!

prestwich · Post by **prestwich** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 9:53 am

Papakeith wrote: have you seen my bank account?

Is yours missing, too? Seriously, PK, what do you think about the tandem seating of the -8? My brother-in-law is planning to build one, for the substantial extra width it affords. I'm sure you'll get to see one at Lakeland.

papakeith · Post by **papakeith** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 10:14 am

I don't have any problem with tandem seating. A well placed mirror would alieviate the not seeing the passenger issue. I just wonder what the view is like from the back seat. That and what kind of room the passenger has back there.

jim_geo · Post by **jim_geo** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 1:29 pm

Back when I was making the choice I sat in an 8. That was all it took I went with the 7.

Dan A · Post by **Dan A** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 9:13 pm

There is a couple of guys in my area who built a RV6 and they both are very big guys. There was a pic. on one of the web sites, but I cannot remember which one, that showed one of them and the 6. The top of the windscreen came up to just above his waist!! They fly it together. That's both of them in the plane at the same time. So I don't think you will have a problem with any of Van's designs.
Good luck in which ever one you choose. You cannot go wrong with an RV!
Dan

Wicked Stick · Post by **Wicked Stick** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 9:49 pm

Papakeith wrote:I've got a feeling even in a 7 I'd take up a good chunk of it. another inch by this mod would be a godsend. 1.5 more per side would give me an effective 46 inch cabin width!

jim_geo wrote:Back when I was making the choice I sat in an 8. That was all it took I went with the 7.

I'm not sure why some of you 7 builders think you get more room when flying with 2 people. If you divide Van's 43" wide RV-7 cabin in 1/2 each of you get 21.5 inches of shoulder room. In an RV-8 the front pilot area gives you about 24" and the rear seat passenger gets a wopping 27" in cabin width. (according to van's specs).

It still comes down to each person's preference, and I'd suggest sitting in each model and even perhaps going for a ride in both if you can, before committing to a choice.

jim_geo · Post by **jim_geo** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 10:57 pm

I was ok with the side to side room. The panel was just way to close to my face and made me feel closed in. I also didn't like where the person in the back kept their feet. Phew I need some air

.

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 6:55 am

The -8 is DEFINATELY roomier!

I just like to have a place to put stuff when flying solo... and a bunch more panel space!

The rear holer in the -8 is guaranteed partial panel training!

CJ

papakeith · Post by **papakeith** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 9:31 am

isn't the seat position adjustable during the buildin phase? or is it just the pedals that adjust for the min-max legroom.

avaviat · Post by **avaviat** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 11:25 am

There are two "accepted" front seat positions on the -8, and minor adjustments can be made as well.

I like the -8 panel position/size, myself. I like the cockpit in general actually. Then again, I'm sort of a minimalist in a lot of ways so the panel size doesn't bother me. My "dream" layout even has room for a glove box.

Wicked Stick · Post by **Wicked Stick** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 3:57 pm

Papakeith wrote:isn't the seat position adjustable during the buildin phase? or is it just the pedals that adjust for the min-max legroom.

The seat remains the same position, but the rudder pedals are adjustable for different leg lengths.

Van's also makes what is called the Tall pilot option for those over 6 feet tall. Perhaps that kit allows for adjusting the seat back further.

avaviat · Post by **avaviat** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 4:30 pm

The tall pilot option moves the front seatback back, giving more room in the front, less in the back. It is not adjustable -- you build one way or the other.

I've heard several 6'3" range people say they didn't need the tall pilot option. I suppose it depends on body geometry (leg:torso ratios and such). I'm 6' and will be using standard seating and ground-adjustable pedals.