RV-8 Stick Height

[David-aviator]

Thanks to all for the input, I appreciate it.

[springer]

Originally Posted by Stu McCurdy

The bent stick provides a much better position for body, arm when flying, and it allows for full movement of the stick inflight.

Stu, are you able to retain the stick at its full length when bent? I am in the process of purchasing a -8 and the stick ergonomics also bother me when compared to my -4. At least the panel in the -8 is further away...I think.

[Stu McCurdy]

Originally Posted by springer

Stu, are you able to retain the stick at its full length when bent? I am in the process of purchasing a -8 and the stick ergonomics also bother me when compared to my -4. At least the panel in the -8 is further away...I think.

Yes, I used full stick length with the Infinity grip on the top. The S shape allowed me to be able to pull the stick full back (against the seat belt) and push it full forward (as it touches bottom of panel). I did not BEND it, rather drew a cardboard silhouette and made three cuts about 3/4 through on onside radius of two places it needed to bend. Then after it followed the silhouette I welded the cuts to follow the profile.

The RV-8 panel is definitely further away than the RV-4 panel. It ends up at 19", just right for the lower range in my Tri-focals!

[humptybump]

My RV-8 has a strait stick that is 12" from bearing to top of stick and then the grip adds 3/4" on top of that.

I do not feel it is too short but it is definitely too far forward. I'd need the grip offset 2.5" aft to fit in the natural position for my hand for most flying.

Someday I will investigate solutions but it would require cut & weld to get the desired offset aft.

[brad walton]

But I cut mine to clear the bottom of the panel and the cross member between gear towers. I didn't worry much about leaving room for a finger on top. If I have that much forward stick into it, I probably won't be adjusting the trim or changing flap positions.

[g zero]

I cut mine off 2" above the pivot , made a reducer out of 4130 to allow the use of a 7/8" stick . Nice working on the plane with no stick in the way . Also the rear stick is 7/8" same as motorcycle , Atv , and bicycle bar and grip sizes.

Tom

[p51dplt]

There was someone you could send your stick to and he would bend it and return it to you in about a week. I cannot find the old thread regarding this, does anyone recall who was doing this?

[luddite42]

Originally Posted by rocketbob

OK stupid question. Why would one have a need to be able to push on the PTT while the stick is full forward?

I can think of only two reasons to ever have a need to put the stick FULL forward - inverted stalls/spins, and maybe taxiing with a strong wind on your tail. 99% of RV pilots will never come close to putting the stick full forward in flight. Applying full forward on a taildragger takeoff roll or wheel landing rollout is completely unnecessary. So I guess we're left with the ability to make a taxi call while taxiing in a strong tailwind.

[Don Patrick]

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...=stick+bending

I had mine done not long ago..sometimes you get a crease, sometimes you don't.

I did, but it's not all that bad.

Don

[Joe]

Originally Posted by David-aviator

... I could not press the PTT button when full forward, the clearance was so close.

Simply a suggestion: the PTT could be installed on the throttle. If you look closely you can make out the black PTT switch on the black throttle in this view:



And if anyone's taking a poll, you can count me among those who:

1. Have had my stick bent and love the ergonomics.
2. Have not found an issue with my fingers/hand on top of a full forward stick under the instrument panel.

--
Joe
RV-8A flying