Seat separation distance

[johnpstoll]

I have a question about the distance between the seats. I screwed up and mounted my seat hinges on the floor 7/8 in from the holes, not from the edge. My question is what is the normal distance between the seats? My seats measure about 4 inches between the uprights. What does normal look like? I haven't riveted the bottom seat back bottom hinges yet and can move them left or right to make up the distance.

Thanks,
John

 

[dwollen89]

I have a question about the distance between the seats. I screwed up and mounted my seat hinges on the floor 7/8 in from the holes, not from the edge. My question is what is the normal distance between the seats? My seats measure about 4 inches between the uprights. What does normal look like? I haven't riveted the bottom seat back bottom hinges yet and can move them left or right to make up the distance.

Thanks,
John

View attachment 104619

I just did the exact same thing last week. Such a misleading measurement on the drawing. I think it is fine from a spacing perspective, but you’ll end up with another issue. When you match drill the seat rib holes in the aft hinge, you’ll have edge distance issues with the hinge rivet holes. The holes are almost touching. I ended up ordering a new seat pan to the tune of $60 Fortunately, I caught the error after the first one. Check out Mike Bullocks build log. He had a similar edge distance issue with these holes and came up with a fix.

 

[johnpstoll]

Here's a photo of the distance between my seat backs. I know the cockpit is a bit tight so I'm wondering how the seat positions affect movement of the pilot. If i switch left for right seats the distance drops to about 3 inches.

 

[Ralph Inkster]

I seem to remember about 1/2” between seat back & center flap motor brackets. I’d rather touch shoulders & not have to sit tight to the cold fuselage skin.