RV8 Tall Pilot Mod

[skyhakpilot]

Hello all, I recently sat in an RV8A, I’m 6”3 225 lbs. This plane didn’t have the tall pilot Mod done. My questions are can an existing airframe be modified or does it need to be added as the fuselage is being built? And if the Modification is done is the effect the same as the AntiSplat Almost a 14 Mod that’s done on the 6,7 and 9?
Thanks for any information.
Curt

 

[bifft]

The tall pilot mod is a different weldment to have the front seat recline a little bit more. Some also attach the bottom end of the seat back further aft to get more leg room.

It should be possible to retrofit the mod, but not easy. The F-816 cockpit rail is riveted over the top of the WD-808 which would need to be removed and replaced. Probably wouldn't need to remove it entirely, but at least enough for the weldment to be able to slide under the flanges.

 

[skyhakpilot]

The tall pilot mod is a different weldment to have the front seat recline a little bit more. Some also attach the bottom end of the seat back further aft to get more leg room.

It should be possible to retrofit the mod, but not easy. The F-816 cockpit rail is riveted over the top of the WD-808 which would need to be removed and replaced. Probably wouldn't need to remove it entirely, but at least enough for the weldment to be able to slide under the flanges.

I see. Thanks for the information

 

[bifft]

Was out at the airport and got a good look at the area. I've changed my mind. You would need to take out the canopy tracks, but not remove the cockpit rail. The rest is bolted and screwed. Shouldn't need to drill out any rivets. With the seatback and rear stick out of the way you could push it down and remove it that way.

The seat back however would also need to be modified. The F-832C angle is 28" in the plans, mine is 29" to accommodate the tall pilot mod. (Don't want the seat back to be able to fall past the weldment holding it up). Probably easier to make a new seat back rather than try to drill out and attach new angles. The F-832APP corrugated seat back part is the only expensive bit.

I actually just ordered the parts to remake that bit myself in something I'm calling the "Even taller pilot" mod to lift up the shoulder belts a bit. At a long torso 6' 4.75" or so the shoulder belts push down on my back uncomfortably.

 

[ccoady454]

Hello all, I recently sat in an RV8A, I’m 6”3 225 lbs. This plane didn’t have the tall pilot Mod done. My questions are can an existing airframe be modified or does it need to be added as the fuselage is being built? And if the Modification is done is the effect the same as the AntiSplat Almost a 14 Mod that’s done on the 6,7 and 9?
Thanks for any information.
Curt

Where was the location of the rudder pedals? I'm 6'7", 238lbs and fit with the rudder pedals in the full forward position, though I'm in the process of trimming an inch off my dash to give me more knee clearance. Most of my abnormal height is in my legs. I was looking into the tall pilot mod until moving the pedals all the way forward did the job.

I do not have the quick adjust pedals, so I had to become a bit of a contortionist to get in there and relocate the pedals.

Also, a thinner seat gave me an extra inch of knee clearance, but after I finish my dash mod, I'll go back to the thicker seat. I may be a bit more slender than you since I'm 3-4" taller and only 13lbs heavier.

 

[chaskuss]

I have the "tall pilot" option weldment in my 8A [WD-823 if memory is still good]. I also have long legs. I added a second piano hinge 1.5" behind the stock hinge to improve leg room. See attached photos. Rather than using blind rivets, most of my flooring is installed with flush #8 screws. I also made a second pilot's seat back which is 2" taller than the stock item. The stock item works withe the WD-823 when mounted in the rear floor mount hinge, but does not have sufficient purchase on the WD-823 when mounted in the stock location on the floor.



Nutplates installed under floor for screw to secure piano hinge pins



Taller seat back front view



Taller seat back rear view



Stock and tall seat backs compared

 

[skyhakpilot]

Hey! Sorry for the late reply
Those are excellent pictures and I appreciate the information. I’m have Bi Lateral Hip Replacement Surgery Monday so I’ll be recovering from this for a few weeks.
Thanks again! Curt

 

[DanH]

Just returned home after many hours of trip time. I'm about 6-3 and 215. Prior to departure, I made a two-part pink foam block to raise the butt section of the seat pad 2", tapering to 1" at the front, around the crotch belt attached point. The result raises the pilot 2" upward and slightly back. It's a real improvement in seating geometry if you have the canopy headroom.

 

[Ralph Inkster]

My friend is long in the torso so sat too tall in his Harmon Rocket to be able to wear a flight helmet. I came up with a solution to create a slight curve in the two side angles in the straight seat back (think easy chair). Strength in the side angles was restored by riveting 1/8" plates to the outboard sides. He loves the new geometry.