Steven,
You have hit on a very sensitive subject for me. I am 6' 4" 260lbs and the
biggest Europa pilot I know personally. After I mostly finished my airframe
and before I purchased firewall forward and instruments, I decide to spend some
quality time in the left seat with John at Europa (DUH?). I quickly decided
to sell my project and start building a C-130 Hercules. After Getting a price
on the C-130, I decided to try to make my Europa fit. I made many mods to
help work it out so don't think just because I fit in mine you will fit in any
Europa. The two areas of easiest manipulation are the lumbar support and the
seat cushion thickness. I am 39" from ass in seat to the top of my head. The
Europa with no cushion is 37" straight up. A thick lumbar will push your lower
body forward giving more head room; that is until your knees hit the panel.
While sitting, from the bottom of my shoes to my back as it rest on the seat
is 51". I moved my rudder pedals 1" forward. I a
lso trashed the mono wheel and elected for the conventional gear. This allowed
me to cut some relief into the console and move my body more toward the center
highest part of the canopy (whew). I use 1" thick temper-foam for a seat
cushion
and fit well enough to be comfortable for 3 hours. So I would surmise if
you measure 50" or less from bottom of shoe to your back while seated and 38"
or less from ass to head top while seated you will be at least as comfortable
as I am. I every other way this is the best most fun aircraft for the money
I can imagine.
P.S. I almost forgot. If your looking at a Classic Europa, nothing I said
matters
because the foot well is shorter.
Visit - www.EuropaOwners.org
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