I'm ordering up a full body pilot from Vailly for my Bearcat and trying to figure out how to tie him down in the cockpit. I'm thinking of epoxying a blind nut in the large intestine with a #8 bohica screw up through the cockpit floor and seat. Then put a dollop of RTV on his feet and where his hands grab the stick so he doesn't flop around in there. If he flops around he's gonna tear up the inside of the cockpit.

Is that how you guys hold him down?

I usually use a little glue, and then I like to drill a hole in the bottom of the pilot (no smart remarks!) and tie them down. Its much easier when they are right over the radio equipment area...That way getting at the string is easy if he needs removed.

I used a velcro strap like a set belt (lap belt) on mine. Stays in place with no problems and easy to remove if need be. Just decorate it to look "scale" and your done.
Kelly

definietly go with the glue and sometimes functional.....harness straps

I have used black wire tie wraps. they work well and are cheap.

ampeater,

For a full scale pilot I normally drill a hole in the bottom of the seat on each side of the pilot and then use a plastic tie to match the color of the seat and secure him in like a seat belt. This way if you ever want to remove him for any reason you just cut the tie. If you glue your pilot in you have a mess trying to get him out.

Are you sure that zip tie is enough for a full scale pilot?

sorry couldn't help that. I bet that thing would really bite deep in a negative G-manuever!

Yawl actually use pilots?? I thought I was the only one. Whew.... I never say anything, but cant stand a warbird without a pilot. I'm a three bladed prop fanatic too, but thats just me. I aplaud you!!

Well I confess I usually only use a half pilot.. I hate to lose a WHOLE one in a crash ! I usually do a left or right side...

I used velcro on the seat and back. Seemed to work good, right up until the crash. Same pilot in new Triplane. Still have to do something about the straps.

Shoo Goo will hold anything down and can be pulled apart if needed.

Just stick some velcro to his rear end and sit him down. Super glue them to the pilot and the other part to the seat and it will stay forever and you can easily remove him if needed.


Jeff