3 inch wider seatback in Cozy MK IV

[bhassel]

I am seriously considering making my seatback (only) 3 inches wider. I've considered all of the past discussions (Wider in Albq), etc; I know I'm test pilot doing something new that may affect the...

 

The CG Strakes give me elbow room but I need it at the shoulders (upper arms). I'm about 22 inches where my shoulders and upper arms come into contact with the canopy latch rod & longeron while Jan is about 19 inches at her similar point. This leaves us cramped into the 39.5 inches of width at that point. A 3 inch width extension should allow us enough room for comfort (still Cozy) while minimizing any undue negative effects. Jan asked about the staggered seating (ala Steve Wright's StaggerEZ) but definitly wants rudder pedals.

 

I plan on leaving the control tubes, etc in the same location, so the only building difference is in the width of the seatback and the changes in Chapter 5 (the fuselage sides). So I'm basically trying to figure out what I need to be prepared to look at in Chapter 5.

 

My questions are: 1) is the shipped longeron long enough? It should be only a moderate addition to that length to fit the arc. If not can I just add more to an end (structurally is that ok) or do I need to order new and longer longerons (the chapter 5 order is sitting in the shop)? 2) Where does the seatback fit into the arc of the side construction? I'm also planning on moving the seatback an inch so I would need to mod this anyway.

 

Thanks - big flame suit on (why isn't there a flame Smily?)

 

Bob

[Jon Matcho]

Ben, moving the seatback aft 1" is not a big deal -- you don't need to touch the design of the longerons.

 

I'd have to see you NOT fit into a Cozy Mark IV to believe it. Have you both sat in a per plans Cozy at the same time?

 

Widening the seatback by 3" is a bit more hairy, but putting the aerodynamic concerns aside, it's "doable". You may have to take a look at where the aileron torque tubes go through the seatback. Keep at original locations sounds like a good idea.

 

To figure out how to change the jigs, study chapter 5 and then chapter 6 to see which ends come together. You can change the jigs slightly, or possibly even not at all and just bend more than you would. The wood should be long enough.

[bhassel]

Yeah we've both sat in a Cozy Mk IV. It was awesome! Talk about a motivator. I hope to get to fly in one someday!

 

When we were in it, the canopy latch rod and longeron were pressed into my arm. Jan had to sit with her shoulders scrunched up a bit. It wasn't bad but I just felt that it would be more comfortable with the long cross-countires we're planning if it was widened slightly. I don't have hip or elbow issues just arms/shoulders.

 

A small change up front might pay big dividends in the end. I also have a friend building a cozy in the Dallas area and I always remember him saying that if he had it to do over again he'd widen it by 3".

 

Bob