Will it be comfortable to take a really tall passenger in a PA28??
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 326
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From: London
Will it be comfortable to take a really tall passenger in a PA28??
Hello,
I have a friend who is interested in going flying but he is 6ft 4 inches and weighs 80-90kg and I only have a PA28 Warrior.
It will be a family day out (cost sharing) and the family consists of:
Husband
Wife
2 kids (7 yrs and 4 yrs) - 20kg and 15kg respectively.
I will run the numbers but wanted to know if this getting a 6ft 4inch chap in a PA28 is even feasible.
I am guessing that 1 child may have to stay behind as I cant see the Wife and 2 kids sitting in the back comfortably without us being out of balance on full tanks..
Perhaps even half tanks..
Thanks
Scoobster
I have a friend who is interested in going flying but he is 6ft 4 inches and weighs 80-90kg and I only have a PA28 Warrior.
It will be a family day out (cost sharing) and the family consists of:
Husband
Wife
2 kids (7 yrs and 4 yrs) - 20kg and 15kg respectively.
I will run the numbers but wanted to know if this getting a 6ft 4inch chap in a PA28 is even feasible.
I am guessing that 1 child may have to stay behind as I cant see the Wife and 2 kids sitting in the back comfortably without us being out of balance on full tanks..
Perhaps even half tanks..
Thanks
Scoobster
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: London
I fly a PA28 and I'm 6ft 2. I've not had a problem, but if he sits in the front (which he'll probably have to) expect a lot of rubbing shoulders, especially when trimming, and makes sure he keeps his feet clear of rudder/brakes.
As above poster said though, seating five, is beyond the certification of a PA28. It was designed as a family tourer, 2 adults and 2 children.
As above poster said though, seating five, is beyond the certification of a PA28. It was designed as a family tourer, 2 adults and 2 children.
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
From: London
I fly a PA28 and I'm 6ft 2. I've not had a problem, but if he sits in the front (which he'll probably have to) expect a lot of rubbing shoulders, especially when trimming, and makes sure he keeps his feet clear of rudder/brakes.
As above poster said though, seating five, is beyond the certification of a PA28. It was designed as a family tourer, 2 adults and 2 children.
As above poster said though, seating five, is beyond the certification of a PA28. It was designed as a family tourer, 2 adults and 2 children.
It's not certified for 5 hence why I said we will leave 1 child behind.
I would even leave the 2nd child behind, but due to sensitivity I haven't mentioned that part yet. The flight isn't until September so just trying to do some advance planning etc.
I'm only 5ft 10 and haven't had any taller than me in the aircraft yet so don't know how 'cosy' it can get.
Scoobster
Joined: Dec 2001
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 3,761
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From: GA, USA
As far as I recall the seat slides pretty far back in a Pa28.
He'll be ok but anybody sitting behind him will not.
That's basically where you put your flightbag so now you're down to 3.
Fly the wife with the kids and fly your tall friend separately.
He'll be ok but anybody sitting behind him will not.
That's basically where you put your flightbag so now you're down to 3.
Fly the wife with the kids and fly your tall friend separately.
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 23
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From: Sussex, UK
I am 6'4+ and my regular steed is a PA28-160. No problem at all as the seat slides well back. The pax seat is the same and there is no problem keeping feet clear of pedals. Space behind is then limited, but fine for a typical child up to about 10 years old.
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,684
Likes: 3
From: Down at the sharp pointy end, where all the weather is made.
My lad's 6'5" and flies the our PA28 Archer with the seat a notch or so forward of the aft position, very comfortable. I had a 'Trail Lesson' the other day who was 6'9" and 22 stone. He fitted in and I got 'full and free' and he could operate all the controls including rudder and brake pedals. He was a bit bent over but he said he was used to that from cars. Looked like an England prop forward (maybe he is, I didn't ask!)
American aircraft are designed for ...er, Americans, The 172 is similarly accommodating. I once did 7 1/2 hours in one day in a 100hp Rallye, designed by the French for the French. I'm 6'2" and was quite pleased to get out of the a/c.
TOO
American aircraft are designed for ...er, Americans, The 172 is similarly accommodating. I once did 7 1/2 hours in one day in a 100hp Rallye, designed by the French for the French. I'm 6'2" and was quite pleased to get out of the a/c.
TOO
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,548
Likes: 62
From: UK
It's not certified for 5 hence why I said we will leave 1 child behind.
I would even leave the 2nd child behind, but due to sensitivity I haven't mentioned that part yet. The flight isn't until September so just trying to do some advance planning etc.
I'm only 5ft 10 and haven't had any taller than me in the aircraft yet so don't know how 'cosy' it can get.
Scoobster
I would even leave the 2nd child behind, but due to sensitivity I haven't mentioned that part yet. The flight isn't until September so just trying to do some advance planning etc.
I'm only 5ft 10 and haven't had any taller than me in the aircraft yet so don't know how 'cosy' it can get.
Scoobster
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 419
Likes: 0
From: Barbados
I have a friend here even larger than the guy you describe - he is in his mid-seventies now and has no difficulty getting in and out of my PA28.
That said I would have to say front seat only and have the children sitting behind him so with the seat back no leg room issues for an adult behind.
Agree also - PA28 4 place - mine is s 181 with a Warrior going to be fun getting it off the ground assuming normal sized people - assuming not full fuel.
That said I would have to say front seat only and have the children sitting behind him so with the seat back no leg room issues for an adult behind.
Agree also - PA28 4 place - mine is s 181 with a Warrior going to be fun getting it off the ground assuming normal sized people - assuming not full fuel.
