Consider having the seat shell move forward and back instead of the pedals when adjusting for pilots of different heights. Better yet, leave the pedal and seat fixed and have an 'bolt-in' fiberglass insert seat that does not raise the seat but brings the back ahead by approximately 4". Or, have one or more thickness of airbags. These airbags will have some rigidity but can be collapsed and carried as baggage. This will maintain a more constant center of gravity. It might be no more complex or heavier than moving the pedals.

The seat bottom should be longer than usual. This will provide a full seat for the shorted pilot and will not be detrimental to the taller pilot, because his upper legs are longer.

Must consider how the pedal to seat change will affect the handle grip(s) to seat change. Perhaps the attachment point at the base of the stick could have 2 or 3 locking positions.

The seat sides, which give bracing to the body, could be stationary. Because the top edge of the sides will have a curved slope shorter people with a smaller dimension from armpit to seat bottom will be setting further forward.

Author: Doug Riley Subject: Do stay away from low-backed seats; they aren't as comfortable and leave you leaning back against hard metal frame parts.

April 22, 2001:- There is no need to have a forward tilt on the mast because there is no floor. Should the pilot be rotated clockwise 1-3º more then he currently is to account for this?

Consider a horizontal edge on the upper portion of the nose. I.e. just ahead and above the pilot's toes. This edge is intended to;-

Consider locating an additional fuel storage tank under the seat and in free areas a the the back of the seat. It would also serve as bracing for the seat back and the drive-train. The seat portion could also have honeycomb, with tubes vertical, inside that will crush upon a high velocity vertical drop. The fuel form this tank could be forced by air preasure from an engine to the upper tank, when the helicopter is on the ground.

"I think for the copter to find general acceptance that at least a partial enclosure would be necessary and have been looking at composites for the fuselage. One concept that I find interesting for eventual homebuilders is what Molt Taylor wanted to do with his microimp design. The plans for fuselage panels were to be printed on kraft paper which would be cut out and fiberglassed and formed into the fuselage shapes. If the resulting design can be light enough for part 103 this would make for a very inexpensive 'kit' for the fuselage components." ~ e-mail from P.H.