Erich,
I know exactly what you're referring to. I worked the Europa booth at OSH
and that point came up quite often. Since you didn't mention it, I assume
you haven't had a demo flight in G-ELSA (I forget its new N #) yet. Even
though G-ELSA has the original "slim" cockpit, the feeling of pressure
against your left arm isn't there. It seems the demonstrator has tighter
fit than is actually the case in a completed kit. I discussed this point
with Jim Thursby and Bob Berube and they agreed the demonstrator feels
tighter. I highly recommend a demo flight; this should allay any fears of
buying an aircraft that doesn't fit.
Sincerely,
Steve Genotte
Carrollton, TX
Eric Tauch wrote:
> Greetings all,
>
> Finally got to sit in a Europa over the weekend at Oshkosh. I am fairly
> new to aviation, and am currently working on my PPL, so take my comments
> accordingly.
>
> I have also been doing a lot of home-built research and studying for
> about the past 4 years and have pretty much decided on building
> something like a Rans S-6, or potentially moving up to the Europa. You
> might say most of
> my aviation experience is of the academic type (ie, book-reading)!
>
> Anyway, I was very impressed with the Europa, but while sitting in
> Europa's cabin "mockup" (left side), I found that I had to pretty much
> lean to the right to keep the cabin door frame out of my left
> shoulder. Head room was fine, and leg room was adequate, but felt a bit
> like putting my legs into hole.
>
> This surprised me, as from all that I had read, the cabin at 44 in width
> is supposed to be bigger than most. I now
> regret not sitting in any of the other planes there (most had signs not
> to touch), as I have nothing to compare to.
>
> I do not remember feeling this way on my first Cessna 172 flight lesson
> which was a couple weeks ago (cramped at the shoulders). I will pay
> very close attention to this on my next lesson.
>
> Could any of you provide feedback to how the Europa compares to some of
> the other home-builts in the cabin
> width category?? The seat width seemed fine, but the shoulder width was
> not good (for me anyway).
>
> Thanks in advance....
>
> Eric Tauch
> Plano, Texas, USA
>
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