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Rudder Pedal Spacing - How Far Apart Should They Be?

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wsimpso1

Super Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Oct 18, 2003
Messages
11,353
Location
Saline Michigan
I have seen everything from pedals only about 1-1/2" between them to 20" between. I went looking and found no ergonomic docs on the topic. Plenty on how far away and which way the pedal should move, but nothing on width between. So, what pedal spacing do you think makes for a comfortable and controllable airplane? Why do you think that works so well?

In my case, the airplane has a stick between your thighs and I can put the pedals as close as about 3-1/2" and as far as 8-1/2". What have I flown? Mostly Cherokees and Cessnas, but also the J-3, Great Lakes Biplane, Citabria/Decathalon, RANS S6, and a high performance sailplane with a side stick and the pedals barely an inch apart. The only thing that I ever recall irritating me is pedals offset to one side, so yeah the pedals will be straight out in front of the stick. But while I have an option, how close together should they be, and why?

Billski
 
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