Hello all! I have been lurking these fine BT forums for a while now, but I figure its time to post. I currently fly a Cessna 172, but am looking for a six seat aircraft for the family of 5. An A36 seems like the perfect match, but unfortunately I seem to have a headroom issue as I am 6'3" tall. Just sitting in the left seat I hit my head (sans headphones).

I thoroughly enjoy reading the posts here on BeechTalk. The comradery of the Beech enthusiasts here is inspiring. The participants are opinionated, but ultimately polite and that shows a lot about the community. I continue to look forward to each days postings for there enriching information as well as some laughter.

Greetings Matt,

If you have not had the opportunity to "Search" this headroom topic I encourage you to do so.
I'm 6'4" @ 250 and am a proud and quite comfortable A36 owner.

BTW, my often time right seater is my brother-in-law and he's a tad over 6'6".

No worries.

Max G., and others share your height concern but can ride in the Beech sky-buggy of choice with no problem.

Happy hunting.

Matt,
Welcome to BeechTalk; it is, as you've noticed, a great community.

If you reveal what part of Indiana you're from, there may be a BT'er A36 nearby that you could explore further...

Arlen: Updated location. Thanks!

Welcome from Chicago, Matt.

It's possible that you sat in a 36 that had the seat cushions enhanced. I looked at a V35B before the one I now have that had been re-upholstered for a very short couple, and I could not sit upright in it (6'4").

My current plane has original upholstery, and I have plenty of room.

Either way, the seat's upper surface can be lowered if there's really a headroom problem.

I'm 6'4" and fly a V35 with no headroom probs. Same seats and cabin height as the 36. As others have said, sample another airframe.

Ditto - 6' 2" - no issues. Although my wallet used to add another inch before I bought the airplane.

Thanks to all for the advice. I will definitely have to checkout different airframes. This gives me hope!

Welcome Matt to your new cyber home.

You really need to sit in the Beech products. I don't think your height will be an issue in any. Define your flight mission before getting down to the aircraft search. Are you really going to flying 5 around most of the time or for that once or twice a year outing. Especially if the kids are small,a V35 may work out fine. They are super planes as well as the 36's. You can always ship/send bags ahead for planned big trips. Makes loading easier.

Good luck!!

Only being 5'10" I've never had a head room issue obviously. I do find the shoulder room lacking though.

I know that most of my flights 95%+ are solo, so this really isn't a constant problem, but when I get another big shouldered fella up front it does get a bit tight.