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Pilots With Disabilities

03/21/2026 3:17 PM

Without thinking, I posted a thread about an armless pilot in the General section. A few people have responded, but I was hoping for more interest. Perhaps I should have posted it here.

If you would like to read it, here's a link to the original thread: https://cr4.globalspec.com/thread/151378/Pilot-With-No-Arms

I hope this doesn't upset the moderators. If so, please move the original thread to the Aerospace section. Thanks!

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#1

Re: Pilots With Disabilities

03/21/2026 6:29 PM

I am believing this thread could be in the Instrumentation section of CR4, views and comments would be the same. Not a lot going on at CR4 right now.

Your original thread has had 191 views since you posted it, only four threads have a higher view count (at this writing). Also tagged with 5 stars.

Modifying the controls of an airplane; would it be staggeringly more difficult than similarly modifying an automobile? I watched a small car (a VW Beetle, IIRC) get modified for an American basketball player, VERY tall guy… Shaq, or Kareem, or Jerry - Jerry - oh, what’s his name, you know who I mean. Drove it from the back seat, they relocated the headlight selector, radio, wiper control… that sort of stuff.

I am not trying to minimize the subject project, but machines, appliances, vehicles, living spaces… many things are custom modified all the time to accommodate individuals with all sorts of mobility issues.

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#2
In reply to #1

Re: Pilots With Disabilities

03/21/2026 11:10 PM

I think you're right, Doorman, things seem rather quiet around here. It seems that most of the forums I participate in, not just on CR4, are quite slow. Don't know why, perhaps people are simply tired of the internet?

Anyway, thanks for your input, both here and on the original thread.

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#3
In reply to #1

Re: Pilots With Disabilities

03/22/2026 9:17 AM

FYI I remember the first advertisement involving a Volkswagen and a famous basketball player. He wouldn't fit.

They didn't run this magazine advertisement many times, but other variations, including a modified Rabbit that Wilt did fit happened.

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#4
In reply to #3

Re: Pilots With Disabilities

03/22/2026 10:56 AM

Oh, man! Look at the size of that guy!

My fuzzy recollection of the car mod was likely the Rabbit conversion for Wilt that you mention. It would have been a promotional thing for the car manufacturer.

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#5
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Re: Pilots With Disabilities

03/22/2026 3:37 PM

If my memory is correct, the only modification to the Golf/Rabbit for Wilt was a Volkswagen standard extension option for the seat rails. I don't think anyone ever sat behind Wilt in a car.

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#7
In reply to #5

Re: Pilots With Disabilities

03/23/2026 9:30 AM

I honestly have no idea, maybe someone knows and can share.

There is presumed to be a percentile of humans (regarding their height, anyway) that manufacturers of automobiles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, riding lawn tractors… aim for when designing their varied ride in or on vehicles. 95th percentile? 98th?

Billy Barta and Wilt Chamberlain both would have the same issue (being outside of the designed height percentile) if shopping for a riding lawn mower; there would be two entirely different solutions!

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#6
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Re: Pilots With Disabilities

03/23/2026 9:00 AM

Modifying the controls of an airplane; would it be staggeringly more difficult than similarly modifying an automobile?

Definitely, one obvious thing is weight and moment. You can make all kinds of mods to a VW and it stays balanced on its 4 wheels. An airplane is supported by a balance of weight and aerodynamic forces.

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#8
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Re: Pilots With Disabilities

03/23/2026 9:35 AM

Nah, I don’t think it’s a big problem.

Center of pressure would remain unchanged, center of gravity is already subject to shifting around (cargo, passengers, luggage, fuel).

Non-issue, this is what trim tabs are all about.

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#9
In reply to #8

Re: Pilots With Disabilities

03/23/2026 12:02 PM

I should qualify that comment a bit.

I would agree it could be trouble if new installed gear were a sum of, say, 500 pounds concentrated 6 foot or so behind the design CoG. This would likely cause a condition of static instability that would be outside of normal elevator trimming.

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#10
In reply to #9

Re: Pilots With Disabilities

03/29/2026 9:23 AM

I agree. I can't see any components like servos, etc. being heavy enough to greatly alter the CG. Most existing autopilots for light aircraft are fairly light & compact.

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