Pilot Height for Sonerai IIL

[just2day]

I've been considering purchasing a IIL but haven't been able to find one close to get a first hand look. I've been told that short pilots will have a hard time seeing over the panel even during flight. I've looked at a lot of photos and it appears my shortness may be a problem. I know you can do things with the seat, but then work may need to be done to the peddles too. Any 5'8" pilots flying a IIL that can comment on this?

 

[elkosonerai]

every plane will be different but I am 5'7" and have no problem, if you build it yourselfe you will build it to fit

 

[Schmleff]

5'8 is not short really.

John Monnett is only about 5'6 or so.

since each plane is different, you might want to take a look at each.

The other factor is height alone means little. Its the length of your legs and the length from your hinder parts up that matters.

 

[Gaston]

Hi Ben
I'm also 5' 7" and the sonerai 2L is a perfect fit for me...
You can see a video of my plane in the movies file on this site and this may give you a good idea ,as you can see the height of my head in the canopy....a friend of mine flew my sonerai 2L many times with no problems,and he's about 5'6.5".
Hope this may help

Gaston
Sonerai 2L
C-GPXD

 

[darin]

I'm 6'1" so I guess I'll be raising the turtle deck...Is anyone else my height flying or building? I've sat in a stock IILS and it was a little restricting on my head.

 

[Mark Thomas]

I'm 6'-2" tall, the turtle deck was raised 2". With the canopy closed my head is clearing the plexiglass by 1.5" or so. With a headset I'm still clear of the top.
Climbing in is like putting on a pair of pants. I've tried the front seat out for size,
that was like putting on my son's pants. If I was 5'-2" I might be able to fly from the front seat. After that fitting I decided not to install the front pedals. All the pilots I know are taller than 5'-2". Anyone who sits in my front seat can play with the stick.
I'll work the rudder.