Help.......

[charlierainman]

I joined this sight yesterday, found it by accident actually, but it looked like what I needed. I am thinking of building a legal Eagle XL, I'm 6'3" tall, and 240#, maybe I could get down to 235# if I didn't wear my steel toes and I cleaned out my pockets. I am tall in the torso, not in the legs, I don't want to order plans and get a fuselage completed only to find I don't fit in it. The other thing is, how big of an engine? and from the reading I have done so far,(in other places), I haven't seen anything about anyone building their own engine, why not? Can't you buy the parts needed to build the bigger engines yourself? I know some people may be spooked by building an engine, but I would not be affraid to. Thanks

[Leonard]

Hi
I sell plans and videos to build your own engine and most do but some buy from Scott Casler . The Legal Eagle XL will fit you just fine and also you can make any adjustments necessary as you build for a better fit.  6.3 is no problem as the Legal Eagle as  was designed to take large pilots.  When building your engine one should always use new cylinders and heads so as to have a new top end when starting.  One may use good used parts on the lower end select the used parts very careful. I have had good results doing this good luck and have fun building as you will flying the finished plane.    Leonard (designer)

[Hugh Sistrunk]

I built my engine from scratch using Leonard's guidelines in his post here. No problem.  As for fitting in the cockpit - the XL cockpit is 'adjustable' - Build the cockpit, then adjust the pedal locations - the seat brackets can be tweaked also for pilot placement and height adjustments.  Just Do It.  Lots of advice on this site, lots of knowledge on this site - sometimes the advice comes with actual knowledge :-) just kidding.... the members here will keep you on track.  I doubt you will run up against anything that someone here has not found and fixed.

Hugh
NightEagle @ BlackHut Ops

[leshoman]

My grandson that is 6'-6" can set in my Legal Eagle XL with seat cushion removed, I did raise the wings about 1.5" and changed wing mount strap locations to provide another 3" and as far as weight i know it flys best with minimum weight but it does fly with 275+ pilot with the 45 hp 1/2" vw and at about 250 pounds pilot weight, including coats, gloves, radio, other things that add weight I have had  mine over 10,000 feet while taking off at field elevation over 6,800 feet.