Big John wrote:

Steven

I heard many years ago that the nose on the ground put the cockpit
rail down where you could just step into the cockpit and then crank
the nose gear down to take off position.

Without this you would need some type of a boarding ladder to get in
and out of the cockpit.

Anyone support my memory?

Big John

No ladder necessary for most folks. EZs have a step that facilitates
cockpit entry with the nose gear extended. It's sort of like mounting
a horse by putting your foot in the stirrup.

Here is a picture of my plane and the step,

http://www.airplanezone.com/Oshkosh/...SC00517bSM.JPG

Left foot on the step, left hand on the longeron, right leg up, over,
and in. As for rear seat passengers, entry is no problem for the
young and agile but sometimes problematic for older folks.

The nose down parking position is sometimes referred to as the
"grazing position", which is especially appropriate when parked on
grass.

David O -- http://www.AirplaneZone.com