How well do I fit... tall pilot mod?

[stephen.hayne]

I'm looking at building an RV8. I sat in one at a formation clinic I attended (All Red Star - I currently have a Nanchang), and it is pretty tight. With a seat parachute, I can't get a helmet on. But with a back parachute and making the seat recline a little more (tall pilot mod?), it might work? I'm 6'3", 220lbs.

Is there anyone within 100 miles of Fort Collins that has a RV8 with the tall pilot mod that would let me sit in it and check it out?

Here are pics of me in it and the parachute I was wearing (~4"). I intend to fly some formation and very light aerobatics, so will want a chute and a helmet...

Stephen
PS - I've searched the forums and read the posts I could find about the tall pilot mod...

--
I love to fly formation! Nanchang - 443LM
"http://selfsynchronize.com/hayne/plane/"

 

[bifft]

I'm looking at building an RV8. I sat in one at a formation clinic I attended (All Red Star - I currently have a Nanchang), and it is pretty tight. With a seat parachute, I can't get a helmet on. But with a back parachute and making the seat recline a little more (tall pilot mod?), it might work? I'm 6'3", 220lbs.

Is there anyone within 100 miles of Fort Collins that has a RV8 with the tall pilot mod that would let me sit in it and check it out?

Based 350 miles from Fort Collins, so probably can't easily get together to sit in mine, but I'm a long torso 6'4" with the tall pilot option. I also use a seat parachute, about 4 inches thick with no seat cushion. I find I do need to duck to close the canopy, but have plenty of space above my headset once it is closed. Never had the headset hit the canopy, even with plenty of negative G's.

Hope you find somebody close for a test fit.

 

[Scott Hersha]

Stephen,
I think the tall pilot seat back support might work for you. The extra recline should give you a little more headroom for your helmet. I have a friend with the tall man on his RV8. He’s 6’4”. I’ve never seen him with a helmet on, but it looks like there should be room. Bring your helmet to NC and try it on if you wish. He’s an Air Force RV formation guy and loves his RV8.

 

[Daida]

6‘4“ here as well. I use a seat parachute as cushion. I don‘t wear a helmet.
I do have to duck under the canopy frame when closing/opening it but when closed there is plenty of headroom (would most likely be sufficient for a helmet).

I don’t have the tall pilot option!

 

[PhatRV]

The stock Vans foam seat on the RV8 is very thick. Maybe you want to try not using the thick foam seat, or only use a very thin foam pad.

 

[stephen.hayne]

The stock Vans foam seat on the RV8 is very thick. Maybe you want to try not using the thick foam seat, or only use a very thin foam pad.

I was on bare metal... no pads at all.

 

[Daida]

I don’t have the Van‘s (or any other vendors) cushions. I have a 1“ foam cushion wrapped in leather. Like said, i use the seat parachute as cushion.

 

[stephen.hayne]

I don’t have the Van‘s (or any other vendors) cushions. I have a 1“ foam cushion wrapped in leather. Like said, i use the seat parachute as cushion.

Understood - perhaps I have a longer torso, since I had no room for a helmet.