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11-08-2008, 10:28 AM
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Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Gloversville, NY
Posts: 1,587
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Cockpit Size - Tall Pilot
For those of you who have had the opportunity to test fly or at least sit in an RV-12 cockpit - I am about 6' 3" - do you think I would fit comfortably, or should I stop considering an RV-12?
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11-08-2008, 10:43 AM
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Hubbard Oregon
Posts: 9,035
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BigJohn
For those of you who have had the opportunity to test fly or at least sit in an RV-12 cockpit - I am about 6' 3" - do you think I would fit comfortably, or should I stop considering an RV-12?
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You likely will fit with no problems. Shorter people (5'5"-5'6", etc.) need to add extra bottom and back cushions even with the seat in the most fwd position.
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Opinions, information and comments are my own unless stated otherwise. They do not necessarily represent the direction/opinions of my employer.
Scott McDaniels
Van's Aircraft Engineering Prototype Shop Manager
Hubbard, Oregon
RV-6A (aka "Junkyard Special ")
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11-08-2008, 11:58 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 497
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RV-12 Cockpit
Honestly, I think you will be fine. It has a very roomy cockpit. I am 5' 11" and while flying the RV-12 I was able to put a clenched fist above my head with plenty of clearance... guessing I had at least 5" between headband of headphones and canopy. And for reference, I wear pants with a 32"/33" inseam... and had plenty of legroom.
However, that said... every "body" is different. Leg/torso ratios vary. If you are concerned, and can't test fly before purchase... I'd call VAN's and see if someone can measure seat base to canopy when closed. Maybe subtract an inch for a compressed cushion, and compare that to your own seated height measurement. My 2 cents anyway...
DJ
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Still in research & dreaming phase - Wanting a Low-wing TANDEM LSA!!
Last edited by Phyrcooler : 11-08-2008 at 12:00 PM.
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11-08-2008, 02:31 PM
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: East Central Florida
Posts: 71
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My son, who is 6'3" had a chance to sit in the RV-12 at this year's Sun & Fun. He didn't have any problem and had about 3" clearance with the canopy closed. As was mentioned earlier, every body is different but I think you'll be fine with the RV-12.
Good Luck!
Gerry Peterson
Merritt Island, FL
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11-08-2008, 06:59 PM
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,378
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First than Van does when you sit in the 12 is put the canopy down and say, "see how much room you have over your head!" You will have no problem...its a great plane.
Pete
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11-08-2008, 08:43 PM
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Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Richland, WA
Posts: 42
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I'm 6'2" 225lbs and room was not an issue. Friend of mine is 6'4" and still had plenty of room to spare. 6'6" and probably 275lbs would be the "limit" would be my guess, you would still have plenty of room but getting out of the plane would be very difficult. Getting in would be easy, Ever sit in a couch that's really low to the floor and try getting up??
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11-08-2008, 09:53 PM
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 211
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Depending on how much I slouch, I'm between 6'3" and 6'4", weigh 240 lbs, and fit in the red demonstrator just fine. Just as someone else said, getting in and out was something of a challenge (first time and I was scared of breaking something), but once seated all was great. I closed the canopy and had 1-2" of clearance above my head, and found the cockpit very comfortable. I dare say that there's almost the same amount of room in the -12 as the Cessna 310R I fly.
You won't have any problems!! 
__________________
Wheeler Express Builder
Waiting on the -12
CFII/MEI
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11-09-2008, 06:14 AM
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: 08A
Posts: 9,500
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6-3, long inseam, big feet, and I was very impressed with the available legroom. If (when) I need to go sport pilot, it will be a 12.
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Dan Horton
RV-8 SS
Barrett IO-390
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11-09-2008, 06:17 AM
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Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Gloversville, NY
Posts: 1,587
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Thanks!
Thanks for all the replies. I am thinking about taking a trip to the factory for a demo. If that doesn't happen, I'll have to wait until Sun-n-fun - but that is a long way off. If I commit to this project I'd like to get started over the winter. It would be my first project, but I think it sounds doable for a guy with decent mechanical skills and a heated garage. BTW, what IS the procedure for getting in and out of that deep cockpit?
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11-09-2008, 11:13 AM
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 211
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You get in the airplane from the front of the wing (opposite most low wing airplanes). If you look at some pictures of the factory prototype, you will see a small step mounted on the fuselage in front of the wing where you step first. There's also a step location on the leading edge of the wing where you can step and pivot around to make your third step on either the seat, or if you're really tall you can step all the way to the cockpit floor. At this point get yourself in the cockpit the rest of the way and lower yourself into the seat.
I did a bad job describing this, but if you look at the pictures of the plane I think it will make a lot more sense. 
__________________
Wheeler Express Builder
Waiting on the -12
CFII/MEI
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