RAF cabin small?

[StanFoster]

I have to say I think the RAF cabin is huge compared to what I had. Here is a picture of my Air Command cockpit where I had to custom make my instrument panel around my long legs. Tom Milton can verify that when I bought this Air Command...I could not even sit in it.

I need a little right rudder... ;D

[PW_Plack]

Stan,

The complaints about the RAF cabin seem to come mostly from guys who fly with a passenger and the doors on. It's wide enough at the shoulder, barely, but narrows so quickly towad the nose that it's hard to reposition your knees, and to keep your feet clear of the rudder pedals on the passenger side.

If you get the chance to sit in AAI's SparrowHawk cabin, check it out...MUCH better for two people. Wider at the nose, and it feels roomier still because of the instrument pod setup versus RAF's full-width dash.

[rgraffeo]

Stan,
I find my cabin on the small side when I take a person about 250# or heavier. They really take up the elbow room.

[StanFoster]

Rudy: I know what you mean about a big passenger. I had my 270 pound son taxi with me the other day. I wanted to see that my controls had full range. Still...I am very satisfied compared to what I had.

[GyroRon]

The Raf is too small for two people to be comfortable period. Yes there is room for two people to sit, but I will say this about it..... If I designed and marketed a Piece of furniture that placed you in the same position, you can bet I wouldn't be selling many of them!

[Echo]

These cabs are about 4" wider than a Cessna 150 .
Eric

[Aussie_Paul]

That cramped Eric?

Aussie Paul.

[Brent_Brown]

Eice where is the gas at in this gyro, under the seat?
Brent

[StanFoster]

Eric: Nice looking project. I can tell the cabin is going to be roomy. I guess coming from my perspective...packed in my Air Command pod...I am satisfied with the room I have.

I flew to Mentone last summer...had a duffle bag stuffed under my knees...it fit...I had full range of controls....but just felt like a Sardine in a can. Almost all of my flying will be solo in my RAF. The only passengers I intend on taking up are my immediate family. So....I meant to say it is plenty roomy for most of my flying. I am planning on several cross countries this year and am really looking forward to the extra room.

[Chuck Roberg]

Hey Stan, Since I'll be coming with Tom Milton next saturday when he does the airworthiness on your RAF.
I "do" expect a ride some time in the near future. ;D

[Aussie_Paul]

Stan, I have done some quite major (400 miles) cross countries in my Raf cabs. I go solo and fit all my gear in the other side. The most enjoyable ones have been in the CLT Hybrid that still has the Raf cabin.

If I can get my act together in time I hope to fly approx 1300 miles to our Easter Gyro National Championships/fly in in the center of Oz at Alice Springs.

Aussie Paul.

[StanFoster]

Chuck: I will trade you a ride in my RAF for a ride in your Robinson R22. Ok.......how about a 30 minute flight for five in yours ;D

Anyway...congratulations again on soloing the R22..


Paul: I am very satisfied with the cabin space while solo in my RAF. If a lot of my flying was dual...sure...it would be nice to have the roomier Sparrowhawk cabin. But I learned a long time ago I cant have everthing. I have slowly stepped from a Bensen..to an Air Command ..now my RAF. I am so satisfied so far that I will bet I fly this thing for many years before my next upgrade.

[Echo]

Brent,
the black strips on the rear wall have bolts going thru it , they hold the two tanks on, that will give you some idea of size & location.
Paul ,
cramped ? I didnt say the cabin was cramped, what I did say that it was 4" wider than a C-150, plenty of room! ;D
Plus it weighs in at 275 kgs with 120hp.

[Echo]

Brent,
just found rear pic.

[Aussie_Paul]

275 kg is good Eric. We anticipate the Firebird to have an empty weight of around 280 kg with either 120hp or 155 hp.

Hybrid is 106 lbs lighter than a Raf which usually weigh around the 766 lb mark.

Aussie Paul.