Astore storage pockets

[montanapilot]

Has anybody installed any type of storage pockets on the sidewall of the Astore cockpit? The "glove box" on the right side of the panel works great as long as you limit your pitch attitude to no more than 2 degrees above level.

[Cluemeister]

I've thought of velcroing a strap across that opening to stop items from flying out, but also allowing easy access...

[ash31mi]

I've thought about it - and a bottle holder - but no solution yet. Best idea so far was a rigid 3D-printed vertical pocket attached at the front end of the outboard seat rail. The notch in the middle of the right-side seat base is great for holding a bottle when the seat isn't occupied.

[montanapilot]

I forgot about the bottle holder, but yes, that too.
I live in NW Montana. My wife and I are going to the San Juan Islands just west of Seattle in September. Oregon's not too far out of the way, so I just called Oregon Aero to see if they can install side pockets and maybe a bottle holder (but where would that go?). They said that it's their experience with Light Sport that if they do anything significant, such as redoing the seating, they need a letter from the manufacturer. They're going to find out if there would be the same issue with side pockets and get back to me. I also told them that others might be interested, and that most of the crew lives way far from Oregon, so if they made them up for me, would they be able to copy them and send them off to anybody who wants them. They'll get back to me on that as well. It would sure be nice to have them.

[grantopperman]

Apr 16, 2019 22:16:31 GMT montanapilot said:

They said that it's their experience with Light Sport that if they do anything significant, such as redoing the seating, they need a letter from the manufacturer.

That’s part of the reason I re-registered as E-LSA. The S-LSA restrictions on modifications are stifling. For all the things I love about LSA, this is a counter argument. I realized it when I wanted to put in LEMO plugs so that I could plug in panel-powered headsets and stop worrying about batteries. It’s a trivial change but one that would have required a full plan and letter of approval from tecnam.

[ash31mi]

My other idea for a storage location was at the front end of the storage area between the seats, and currently I tend to put anything I need in flight right there and hope it doesn't budge. I agree anything that is viewed as a permanent modification might get attention from the wrong people, but a clip-on sort of attachment might be acceptable.

[montanapilot]

Excellent idea. If Oregon Aero gets back to me with problems, I'll suggest the clip-on.