light twin for a big guy
 

I am posting this here because I know alot of you are coming out of commercial and/or CFI's.

I have a 7 foot tall friend who is starting his ME training. He just drove down to florida to fly a 310. But, the problem is he cannot fit in it. His knees hit the dash and cannot bend down far enough to reach the rudders and the seat is fully extended back.

I believe that the same problem exists in the Duchess that I am using currently. Most pipers I know are fairly small. I have been in Senecas, Apaches, and Twin comanches and they are all fairly tight, even for me. I havent been in a seminole though.

My thoughts are maybe a Baron or even a King Air 90 (expensive I know), but I dont know many places that rent those for intial multi training.

Any of you guys out there have an idea?

Thanks alot.

The Aztec (aka Aztruck) is pretty roomy for a light twin. Plenty of max gross too.

Try to find an old Piper Aztec. They are good training platforms due to their heavy and stable nature. They are like a station wagon inside, once you get in the door.

Guess Rickair beat me to it!

I found the kingair 90 just as cramped getting into as a seneca

Never been in the aztec, but have heard good things about it

7 feet tall? Cripes. I'd seriously suggest to him that he figure out a way to sit in the cockpit of some of the aircraft types he would consider a career goal. He just might not fit in some of them.

He got in an Apache and didnt fit? I think the Apache has the same cabin dimensions as an Aztec. I fly a Baron and own a Apache and the Apache/Aztec seems to have twice the room upfront.JMO FLY SAFE T.C.

what did he do his se training in???

...go gators

The Aztec is going to be pricey with fuel to build time in... but that is probably the best choice...

I am 6'9" so I am in the same height range as your friend.

I did all my ME training in a Piper Seminole and did not have any problems fitting in the aircraft. Perhaps also a Dutchess. I was able to fly but it was very uncomfortable. If he can withstand it for just ME training it could also be a possibility.

He should be careful with the aircraft he flies. I have rejected flying some aircraft because my long legs would get in the way of the yoke during single engine ops. Light Cessna twins come to mind and smaller turboprops.

Where about in FL is your friend, perhaps I can recommend some flight schools with a PA-44.

He'll fit fine in an apache. It's just like an aztec but you're only burning 150hp of fuel per side rather than 230hp (i think it's 230).

Plus the cheapest twins I've ever seen rented were all apaches.