Do you think that I am just too big?

[Roy]

Hi friends, I am new to this wonderful site, but I have certainly enjoyed reading all the wonderful post, devoted to one of the finest little aircraft ever built! I owned a little 75 horse BC12D about 35 years ago, that I kept at the old Evergreen airport in Vancouver, Washington. I had more fun with that little plane than any other plane, I have ever owned. My problem is the fact that I am 77 inches tall and now weigh 240 pounds. I wonder has anyone ever been able to move the seats back in order to accommodate a pilot that's 6 ft 5 inches? I met a fellow @ the evergreen airshow once that had relocated his seat about 4 inches aft. I do not know if he has any paperwork on it though. If any one has any advice or ideas, please let me know.

[Ryan]

Re: Do you think that I am just too big?

May depend but I think you would be ok. First lower your sling by unwrapping it. I laid my rudder pedals back more to make more leg room. Also take headliner out(skylite is better!) and that creates a ton of head room. I also removed all upholstery. Doesn't sound like much but it makes more room around doors. Also helps to reduce empty weight. I am 6'3 260lbs. Right now. I have 65 hp and regularly fly with passengers and 12gal of fuel in summer. Seating it's tight. Great for your wife, more awkward for airport bum or friend etc... Hope this helps.

[Roy]

Re: Do you think that I am just too big?

Thanks for the info Ryan. My old body just is not as flexible as it used to be 30 years ago. I remember on the longer flights, I used to set in the center of the seat, with a foot on the outside rudder pedals. It worked pretty good, then I would just scoot back over to the left side to land. I think that I will have to sell the old girl and settle for a boring old 172 or something similar. Thanks again.

[TimHicks]

Re: Do you think that I am just too big?

Ha! I thought I was the only big guy to fly like that (sitting in the middle with one foot on each of the outermost rudder pedals).
I'm 6'4" and 225#.

My '46 BC12-D was modified at some point in the past to move the seatback aft a few inches. It's hugely more comfortable to fly than a stock '41 that I get to fly sometimes (that belongs to a pilot who is about 5'3" I might add). See the link below where I first discovered the difference (after having flown this airplane for 18 years)

http://vb.taylorcraft.org/showthread.php?9438-Extra-fuselage-tube&highlight=extra+fuselage+tube

[crispy critter]

Re: Do you think that I am just too big?

Ya can find ya an old Cessna 170.... Classic lines, easy to get in and out of, basically the same bird as a 172. Several different models with prices ranging from the low twenties and up. Occasionally you can luck out and find an old 48 rag wing 170(1st year they built it) for a little less then 20k. Most in that lower price range are not going to be perfect requiring some tlc hear and there but I'm sure that's something you can handle. It's the best of both worlds and most 170's will out run, out maneuver, and out perform all the 172's built before 1976 at less maintance and upkeep. Just a thought.

[VanDy]

Re: Do you think that I am just too big?

Anybody here who has ever met my Grandpa 'Big Jim' VanDervort should be able to attest to how much room you can have in a Taylorcraft. He comes in at just over 6'6" and about 275, we use to go all over the country in our Tcraft! loosen the seat sling a bit and sit right on it, you should be ok.