VansAirForceForums  
Home > VansAirForceForums

- POSTING RULES
- Donate yearly (please).
- Advertise in here!

- Today's Posts | Insert Pics


Go Back   VAF Forums > Model Specific > RV-4
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
  #11  
Old 04-20-2015, 09:47 PM
Russ McCutcheon's Avatar
Russ McCutcheon Russ McCutcheon is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Vancouver, WA USA
Posts: 908
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by sblack View Post
The butt time limit is simply a function of the seat design. With a good seat that spreads the load out you can be fine for hrs. With a crude bench seat that puts your entire weight on 2 points, one at the bottom of each cheek, you are going to suffer. Read the bengelis article in one of his books.
100% correct, I can sit in mine for as long as I have gas, it's all in the seat design/fit.
__________________
Russ McCutcheon
@rv4welder on Facebook
russmccutcheon@gmail.com
We build many of your RV weldments.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 04-21-2015, 01:30 AM
flyride flyride is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 43
Default

5'11" and 205 lbs. Over 700 hours in RV-4's.

Flown an RV-4 from full to VFR reserves (3.5 hours). Flown six hours per day many times. Find a comfy but fairly thin seat pad to preserve your headroom. Cinch your belts in significant turbulence.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 04-21-2015, 05:55 AM
Dean Pichon Dean Pichon is offline
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 532
Default

Hi Gregg,

I'm north of the Pike but west of 495 in Fitchburg (FIT). You are always welcome to sit in mine. As others have said, most -4s are customized to fit their owners. I'm 5'9" and 165lbs. If you are significantly different, you may not find mine comfortable, but I can show you the typical (minor) changes people make to fit themselves comfortably.

Regards,
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 04-21-2015, 07:27 AM
Saville's Avatar
Saville Saville is offline
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: KBVY Massachusetts
Posts: 1,100
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dean Pichon View Post
Hi Gregg,

I'm north of the Pike but west of 495 in Fitchburg (FIT). You are always welcome to sit in mine. As others have said, most -4s are customized to fit their owners. I'm 5'9" and 165lbs. If you are significantly different, you may not find mine comfortable, but I can show you the typical (minor) changes people make to fit themselves comfortably.

Regards,
Dean,

Sent you a PM.
__________________
Flying RV-8 N880BC
2019 Dues - happily paid.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 04-22-2015, 06:51 AM
Gregg Brightwell's Avatar
Gregg Brightwell Gregg Brightwell is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Benton, Kansas
Posts: 259
Default No problem

I am 6'2" and 215. I have flown a few -4's from the front and back. Footwells in the back are a must, and I am comfortable either seat. The RV-4 was MEANT to be worn.



GB
__________________
Gregg J. Brightwell
Benton, KS
CFII/MEII, ATP, AGI, A&P
-4 Emp and Wings complete!
Fuselage out of the jig!
www.mykitlog.com/gbrightwell
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 04-22-2015, 09:54 AM
Mark Albery's Avatar
Mark Albery Mark Albery is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Warwickshire UK
Posts: 703
Default

Good seats will make all the difference.

Some builders extend the panel downwards that can interfere with leg room for long-legged pilots.

I've just upgraded to a set of Flightline Interiors' confor foam seats which passed the 2 hour test. Abby does a good job.

The ultimate, from the man who knows, must be Jon Johanson's race car seat conversion - http://www.flymore.com.au/seats.html - which have passed a 14 hour test!
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 04-22-2015, 09:59 AM
Saville's Avatar
Saville Saville is offline
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: KBVY Massachusetts
Posts: 1,100
Default

So the impression I'm getting from the responses is that there is generally sufficient leg room, shoulder room, and butt width in a -4 to accommodate a 5'10" or even taller, 200lb person (assuming no massive downward panel extensions etc).

The issue in comfort seems to be seat shape and padding.

Thanks!
__________________
Flying RV-8 N880BC
2019 Dues - happily paid.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 04-22-2015, 10:58 AM
Infidel's Avatar
Infidel Infidel is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: WV22
Posts: 849
Default

Im 5'9, 200 lbs., and wide Chested and just spent roughly 5-1/2 hours in my -4 and with the memory seat foam, it wasn't too bad. This was the seat that was already in the -4 when I bought it. I'll be making some changes to customize it to my liking. As mentioned earlier, you wear the -4 and I only cracked the top of my head once on the canopy in some heavy turbulence.

I'd much rather have an -8, but for now a -4 fits my retirement budget.
__________________
RV-4 0320\D3G 160, Whirlwind 200GA 70".
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 04-22-2015, 03:18 PM
jetglenn1's Avatar
jetglenn1 jetglenn1 is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: NAPERVILLE, ILLINOIS
Posts: 9
Default 5'10-1/2" 240 lbs.

Saville, I just bought an RV4 last fall and had the same concerns. I think the skinny guys are just trying to keep the big guys away from the good RV4's. I get in and out no problem, my shoulders are broad but I fit comfortably. At 200lbs you should be fine. The only thing I run into is that the flap lever and my abundant posterior tend to fight with each other in the pattern but it is no issue at all. It fits me like a finely tailored suit, and flies like a home sick angel! Big RV Grin on my big round Face!!
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 04-22-2015, 05:37 PM
Jstov Jstov is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Melbourne beach, fl
Posts: 190
Default Big round face

Big round face! Now that was funny!
Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 06:35 AM.


The VAFForums come to you courtesy Delta Romeo, LLC. By viewing and participating in them you agree to build your plane using standardized methods and practices and to fly it safely and in accordance with the laws governing the country you are located in.