Spin Training for the Fat Guy

J

John Proctor

Well-Known Member
I've been working on my CFI for sometime now, even had my checkride scheduled. Went to do my spin training and found out I'm just too fat for a Super Cub and had to cancel my checkride. Currently I weight 320 lbs. -10 lbs from a week ago:)! I realize the best thing for me and my career is to lose the weight. Is there a plane anyone can think of that an instructor and I could go up a spin given my weight right now? The only other plane I have looked into is a 172 but with the instructor and I in the plane, we would be out of the utility envelope. Thanks!
 
A friend of mine in your shoes found a T-28 to spin. The instructor cut a deal to do two endorsements back to back so I did it with him. Big money but it worked!
 
Perhaps one of the few guys out there that do training in a Stearman? There are a few T-1 Bulldogs out there but none I know of for rent. Yeah not too many options for bigger planes.
 
How do you do with a C172? That can be spun in utility category (W&B) permitting. For spinning it is boring, but it'll legally satisfy your requirement.

How tall are you?
 
Rather than trying to find a piece of iron that has high weight limits in the aerobatic/utility envelope, why not try to find a scrawny instructor? I think it wouldn't be too hard to find a CFI who is in the two to three bags of dog food weight range.
 
The W&B of an Extra might work, if the instructor is small enough. Although the straps may not be long enough for your circumference.

Many WACOs are actually three seat airplanes, might have enough room in the front for you. I can tell you that I'm 6'2" and my forehead is above the windscreen when I sit in the front of a WACO.
 
scooter2525 said:
Have you looked at Heber? Bunch of cool planes there and if your gonna drop cash, might as well enjoy it over a 172.
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I'd second Heber city. There's an instructor there named Loren Duke, have him take you up in the extra. I think they have a Citabria to, but I don't know how that'd work out W&B wise.
 
CFI A&P said:
The W&B of an Extra might work, if the instructor is small enough. Although the straps may not be long enough for your circumference.

Many WACOs are actually three seat airplanes, might have enough room in the front for you. I can tell you that I'm 6'2" and my forehead is above the windscreen when I sit in the front of a WACO.
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He isn't fitting in either seat of a 300 I don't think. Pitts is out for sure. Citabria and Super D are out as well (because of W&B). I am thinking a Marchetti SF260 might work. They spin wonderfully. It is fairly roomy, but hard to find for rent. LVK has 2 for rent and I can get you in touch with them if needed.
Marchetti%20SF-260..ST-20...Cockpit%202005%20(2).jpg
 
John Proctor said:
I've been working on my CFI for sometime now, even had my checkride scheduled. Went to do my spin training and found out I'm just too fat for a Super Cub and had to cancel my checkride. Currently I weight 320 lbs. -10 lbs from a week ago:)! I realize the best thing for me and my career is to lose the weight. Is there a plane anyone can think of that an instructor and I could go up a spin given my weight right now? The only other plane I have looked into is a 172 but with the instructor and I in the plane, we would be out of the utility envelope. Thanks!
Click to expand...

How do you fly most planes DUAL? On average you have a station limit of around 400-450#?

I did my spin training in a Zlin 242, plenty of room
 
Inverted said:
He isn't fitting in either seat of a 300 I don't think. Pitts is out for sure. Citabria and Super D are out as well (because of W&B). I am thinking a Marchetti SF260 might work. They spin wonderfully. It is fairly roomy, but hard to find for rent. LVK has 2 for rent and I can get you in touch with them if needed.
Marchetti%20SF-260..ST-20...Cockpit%202005%20(2).jpg
Click to expand...

Wonder why the primary flight instrument are on the right and engine controls inverted? maybe because it is some sort of military trainer and you want to have the stick in the right hand?
 
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