Height Limitations

[Thomas76]

Howdy,

I've recently been kicking around the idea of a Taylorcraft, but I've never been in one; I'm curious if I'd fit. The issue I've got with a lot of vintage aircraft is height. I'm 6'5" tall and I can't fly a J-3 at all, either seat and my legs are so bound up I can't move the rudder. The champ is marginal in the front seat . I'm curious if the ergonomics of the Taylorcraft would allow my to fly one or if I'm limited to the bigger Cessnas.

Thanks,

[Hank Jarrett]

When I got my T I was 6'3" and 225#. Getting in was fairly easy once you broke the code (there IS a process!) Once you get it it is pretty easy. I couldn't and still can't get my legs under the early full round wheels. You can let the seat sling down (you will need to so don't be discouraged if you can't fit in the first plane you sit in) They were designed for the "normal" person of the 1930s which was closer to 5'* 8" and up to maybe 160#. Once in I am perfectly comfortable and when I made new seats with more modern foam that were also thinner it got really nice. The nice thing about being taller is you don't need to "S" turn on the ground. I have NO PROBLEM seeing over the nose but I ALWAYS raise the wing in the direction I am making a turn to clear the turn. Once you hit 6' when you turn your head you are looking at the cabin by the wing root. You have to lower your head and raise the wing before turning. It is so natural once you start doing it you don't even notice any more but I did get a few funny looks in a Cessna 172 because now I ALWAYS do it. I have lost weight and had some back injuries more recently and am now down to 6' 2" and a MUCH healthier 185#. She feels down right roomy now.

[Robert Lees]

Not having a headliner also helps (especially when wearing a headset).

[Thomas76]

Thanks very much!