Working Papers:

• Just a thought. If the CG of the engine was above the output shaft on the gearbox (center of thrust) then the seat for the pilot could be lower and this would result in a lower profile. A possible disadvantage of this is that the weight variation between pilots will have a greater effect on stability then if this 'variable weight' was located closer to the CofG of the craft.
• Alternatively; The smaller pilot will have a CofG slightly below that of a larger person.
• 250 lb person x 3.5" below thrustline = 875 lb-in.
• 100 lb person x 5.0" below thrustline = 500 lb-in.
• Relocating vertically a 10 lb battery by 36" = 360 lb-in.
• Therefore, the engine could be high and the pilot low. For example see; OTHER: Aircraft - Gyrocopter - Basic (w/ mid prop)
• A better alternative??; Have the engine above the prop's centerline and the pilot below it. The seat is hinged at the bottom by four arms, and perhaps at the top back by two arms, which move as a parallelogram. For large pilots, the seat is up and back. For small pilots the seat is down and forward. This should maintain a consistent CG on the Z-axis and the X-axis. It will also result in a slightly lower cockpit.

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