How to Adjust Your Seat Height | Cessna 172

Simple way to adjust your seat for flight!

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[ronbuellwinkler]

In 25 hrs of instruction, that's the first time an instructor showed me a way to adjust the seat height for repeatable performance in the cockpit, I fly 172 . Thank you very much!

[FlatOutMatt]

Pro tip: start with the seat at its highest point and turn the handle to move downward as needed. A lot easier than trying to crank up against your own weight 😅

[-th_CAV]

You mentioned placing your fist on top of the dash and then to raise the seat until the top of your fist lines up with the top of the horizon. I totally agree; however, it is worth mentioning that if you are looking towards mountainous terrain in front of you to REMEMBER the horizon of a mountain is NOT the top of the mountain. When looking at mountains the horizon is at the BOTTOM of the mountains. This distinction could cause a big difference in your view out the of the windscreen and in the adjustment of the height of your seat.

Also worth mentioning is that in the event of an engine failure, after you establish your best glide speed, if you place your fist on top of the dash and look out over the top of your fist you will be able to actually see how far you will be able to glide before landing. Then you can use that distance as a reference measurement and look all around you, including behind you, to find the best suitable landing place. Note: I know this method will work on Cessna aircraft, but I can't say for certain that it will work with other types of aircraft - that being said, it is worth trying out to see if it does work in those other planes.

[tjabaley]

FOR TALL PILOTS: Im 6'6". Been looking at a few 172s for flight school. I sat in an L with no height adjust and head hit the roof. Last night sat in an N with the height adjusted and I had plenty of headroom

[HowToATC]

As a 13 year old who’s in training this will help me a lot on my next flight thanks!

[assenmacher]

this video helped so much! last time i went flying i was struggling with controlling my altitude because my seat was too tall. i was so tall it felt like the nose was always pointed down lol. definitely using this tip next time!

[RusscanFLY]

This is so helpful! I can't tell you how many times I have almost blown out my knees trying to squeeze out of the airplane because I couldn't figure out how to get the seat to move back! Thanks for the great video.

[BoringFlightVids]

One thing i do that ppl always ask me about, i bring a bed sheet with me. Top height on the seat then i roll up a bed sheet to the perfect height so i can sit on that and get the perfect view over the cowling. Even at full height i can barely see the rivets or cowling hinge. Being able to see clear over the cowling makes your landings easy

[mbrane]

Thank you! This should have been lesson zero (or minus 1)! I was seated at too high a seat elevation on one of my flights, and it affected my judgment of the sight picture while landing (and also while making turns, and failing to keep the nose on the horizon). I guess it is important to sit upright while judging the location of the horizon relative to the top of the fist, right?

[justplanefred]

Stuff nobody talks about but I think it could help a lot... This is also the way I adjust the seat in a car for steering wheel distance. I might have to try the height too could be a new fool proof method for all vehicles...

[matt_b...]

I remember kicking that handle during flight training with my achilleas heel. Now I know what it was for!

[serverlan]

Very informative, I'll try your method next time, i'm forever trying to get the seat right on the the 172 I fly...

[Smokie]

Sadly the Tecnam P92 I'm training in only has fwd & back adjustment, and I'm still too tall to use a fist as a guideline, it's almost like I need 1.5 fists to match where the instructor lines the aircraft to. Any suggestions?
P.S. Love everyone of your videos & I honestly can't believe that your channel doesn't have more views and subscribers, you're absolutely brilliant! 🙏🇦🇺🦘

[georgelyddane]

been flying for a bit now but didn’t know this. thanks!

[foodNtravel]

You can’t just spit out all your secrets mate!

Thanks for sharing!

[gavinobrien]

How much of the cowling should you see? I'm 5'6". My instructor recommended a cushion because of my Hobbit height. Now, I noticed I flare earlier sometimes when landing and have to catch myself and correct it gently. Am I too high now?

[arazali]

Hi can I ask you question do the magnetic diclination diagram apply to navigation system thank you very much and you're video's are excellent.

[mercedes]

I’m starting ground school and I’m roughly 248lbs. Would I fit in the c172? Will the seatbelt fit? I’m super stressed out and embarrassed about it and don’t know what to do.

[laksh]

Hi I am 150 cm ..will I be able to operate the controls and fly...please do reply 🙏

[xhector]

What if person's fist is smaller or bigger? :)