Title: Why does the pilot sit in the back in biplanes? [Archive] - PPRuNe Forums
Headings: 

Content: SSD
TAF Oscar
29th Oct 2001, 23:21
Thanks for the info, another day old and wiser. Cheers...TAFO
tiger burn
31st Oct 2001, 13:35
The Tiger & Gipsy Moths were traditionally designed by good old Geoffrey de Havilland as trainers & thus the instructor took the back seat whilst the pupil rode in front. Whether taxiing or in flight the view for manoeuvring is far superior from the back. In the front of a Gipsy or Tiger, the strutts, wires & wings can obstruct your field of vision etc & also as I'm quite small I find I adopt a slight nose down attitude (& a couple of cushions!) to give me that little bit extra. You can also use the front cockpit space to fit an auxillary fuel tank thus facilitating greater range. Hope this helps. Happy flying! :) :)
[ 31 October 2001: Message edited by: