All, I have a Sonex Legacy model that I’ve been repairing/restoring. I’ve never flown in one before, so I don’t know what’s normal.
The issue is the control stick. Specifically, with the assembled seat and upholstery, the knuckle at the base of the stick gets a little too “personal” with the stick full aft (dual controls). I doubt I would hit this position much, but I would hate to take a surprise hit to the groin at the same time I needed to make an abrupt maneuver.
Is this common? I didn’t know if my seat had been modified outside the plans, or if everyone has this issue. It looks like if the seat was raised an inch or two the problem may go away. The current solution I’m leaning toward it to just thicken up the seat cushion. I’m about 5’-8” so I can afford to lose some headroom.
Ha! Had the same problem/concerns! my ‘personal aspect ratio’ might be considered to be a bit ‘out of range’, but to solve my situation was to install lowered seat option, and not put much ( about 1/2 in) exercise mat as a back, and seat, cushon. this has relieved my concerns. and I have not yet needed to snatch quickly full aft stick!!
Very common. I’m 5’7 and my son is 5’10”. He puts a piece of 1/2” pink foam insulation board under his cushion and I put 2 pieces. Protects the nether regions and also lets you see better out front in cruise. If you are into aerobatics, remove all the foam and cushions and it will be perfect for a seatpack chute. I’ll get pictures of our setup later.
In the Sonex world this is known as the “Johnson Stall Warning Device.”
With my center stick this isn’t an issue unless I fly sitting in the middle. I don’t believe you will find many cases where an abrupt full up elevator movement is required.
Thanks all for the responses. I’ll give the padding a go. Also noticed the pan is a bit stretched from the previous owner’s ((hard)) landing, so I’m hoping with a new pan and your padding recommendations it works out. Hope to have it back together in a month or two.
There was an old thread talking about seat pan issues, but most of my pictures did not come through. Here it is, recreated. Sounds applicable to what you are doing.