I started laying out full-size fuselage plans for my 1100R and started worrying. I'm 6'4". Will I fit in the thing? Is there anything I need to enlarge to make sure I fit? Legroom is my main concern.

I've seen real-life Maxes but never sat in one. If there is anyone on this board who's in California (or Nevada or Oregon) who would let me try his Max for size, I'd be in debt. Ideally, within 350 NM radius from KRHV.

Ari.

Obligatory "making engine noises" photo.

Ari.

Great photograhpy Ari...gave me a laugh...I like the no shoes concept however there isnt a control yoke in a Minimax...Its a real aeroplane and comes with a stick.....maybe another photo required..!

The smile looks convincing

regards Arthur

I particularly like the "dimensional adjustment instruments" (axes) on the wall.

Dennis

Must be a Stealth?

I'm 6'1" and "just fit" in my 1600R. I had more of a side to side problem which can be caused by Budweiser during the building phase.

Also, don't wear high heels while flying and you should be OK.

Quoted from Tom

Must be a Stealth?

I'm 6'1" and "just fit" in my 1600R. I had more of a side to side problem which can be caused by Budweiser during the building phase.

Also, don't wear high heels while flying and you should be OK.

I was worried about clearing my knees, or having to move the pedal very far forward. 1600R also has a canopy, do you have any problems fitting under it?

Ari.

I am only 5'8" and when sitting in the plane, I can hit my knee on the front carry through when I raise it up.

But will there be room enough with the new flying suit?

Your knees will fit under the cross member if you keep the rudder pedals as far forward as possible. I remember that you can raise the heigth of the canopy a couple inches without any problem. Keep the seat cushion thin too. You won't be able to wear a helmet but you'll fit. Most experimentals of any design are a bit cozy once inside. I have a friend that just finished an older model Kitfox that I got into and thought they'd have to pull me out with a chain.

There has to be a Max within a short distance of anywhere that you can sit in.

Bob, thanks for your comments. I know what you mean about a chain. Getting into and out of the Skybolt I'm a partner in makes me wish we had a crane in our hangar, sort of like late medieval knights used to mount their horses. I purposely decided to build an open-top Max so I wouldn't have to deal with canopy height (that, and I'm too lazy to build a canopy).

I'm sure there must be Maxes around, but I haven't found any so far. We have two EAA chapters at the airport I fly out of. One mostly builds RVs. They have a lot of respect for light wood airplanes, but not much interest.The other is a "social" chapter. When I mentioned I was looking for Max info to the "social" chapter, their president emailed me a few days later with the most useful information she could find--the JDT website address :=)

So I'm still looking for a local MAX :=)

Ari.

you will have a little problem. i fly a eros and its just right for me. i have two friends that fly my plane, one about 6'1 and one about 6'2. its a real tight on them and they both have problems with there legs. it is real easy to fix this. the friend that is 6'1 has a custom canopy that was made for his plane. taller and all plex glass. he also moved the seat down and back. this gave him the romm he needed. i also built my plane as you are, i had a friend that i talked to about streaching the firewall out about three inches. he was a beach enginer. because of my size 5'8 i didnt do it, but should have.  its really not hard to do at all and doesnt add stress or any problems to the structure. and with a light engine (hirth, rotax) cg is still great.  with my hks it may have been to nose heavy.  well good luck!

I'm a hair over 6'02.... and I fit in may max-103, which has a 22" fuselage. I mounted the pedals all the way at the end of my floorboard, and used hinges with built-in springs instead of external springs, to save room. Pedal clearance isnt much of a problem. Getting in is awkward. I have to crouch down in seat with knees in chest, and then stick legs out, to clear the front spar carry-through channel. Was worried about stick side-to-side movement, but treadmill should clear excess gross weight on upper leg area.

You guys bring back memories of my first anxious moment building my Eros.  After months and months of working on the tail feathers and fuselage for two Eros planes with my buddy, he slides into his seat for the first time and his legs fit fine.  I slide into mine and my knees hit the front spar carry through!  We’re both 5’10” but he is more trunk and I more leg.  I had to lower the seat bottom, move the seat back pivot point further back and move the rudder pedals forward.  I fit now with about 2” clearance on the spar carry through.  After rigging the rudder pedals with homemade toe brakes, the toe brake just hits the firewall with full break and full rudder.