gerrychuck
Well Known Member
I just flew for the first time with the Almost a 14 mod installed. I knew I needed this modification as soon as Allan announced it. I am over 6' 3" with very long forearms; I have had to fly with very light volleyball shoes to give myself a bit more legroom, always felt the seatback was a bit too vertical, thereby putting more stress on my low back, and felt cramped trying to apply left aileron due to my elbow jamming up against the side of the plane. All that is remedied with the mod; the sitting position feels much more stretched out; I still used my volleyball shoes, but I could have flown in my normal hikers with no problem. Low back is much more comfortable; now the lumbar support in my Classic Aero cushions can actually do its job. My first landing was with a 20 kt quartering crosswind from the left; exactly the scenario that used to give me trouble with jamming my elbow - stick back and left aileron through the approach - no problems at all with the increase in room for my arm provided by the reclined seat back.
My only concern, expressed by some others on the forum, was that reclining a bit might lower my eye position enough to affect my sight picture in the landing flare and negatively affect my landings. No problem whatsoever with my first landing; didn't even think about it until after I cleared the active. If it had been an issue, adding a wedge under the seat cushion would fix it very easily.
A mechanic friend did most of the installation for me, so I can't comment with authority on how difficult it is; it certainly wasn't tough for her, but she is much more comfortable with riveting and cutting metal than a non-builder like me. I can't imagine that anyone who built their plane would have any difficulty.
I am very pleased with the mod, and can't wait to try some longer flights; I am sure it will significantly improve cross-country comfort. Great improvement to the 6A, and great bang for the buck.
My only concern, expressed by some others on the forum, was that reclining a bit might lower my eye position enough to affect my sight picture in the landing flare and negatively affect my landings. No problem whatsoever with my first landing; didn't even think about it until after I cleared the active. If it had been an issue, adding a wedge under the seat cushion would fix it very easily.
A mechanic friend did most of the installation for me, so I can't comment with authority on how difficult it is; it certainly wasn't tough for her, but she is much more comfortable with riveting and cutting metal than a non-builder like me. I can't imagine that anyone who built their plane would have any difficulty.
I am very pleased with the mod, and can't wait to try some longer flights; I am sure it will significantly improve cross-country comfort. Great improvement to the 6A, and great bang for the buck.