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FlyGuyTililDie
Joined: 22 Jan 2009
Posts: 26
Location: Germany/Italy
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 Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2009 3:35 am Post subject: Gross weight question |
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My question is applicable to all aircraft, not just the CH750. Is the 1,320 lb gross weight more of a structural limitation or a number set to comply with LSA? With an empty weight of around 800 lbs, this aircraft still yeilds over 500 lbs useful load.
But what about people who are adding floats and belly pods? It seems to me that the addition weight would limit the airframe to single pilot operations without busting the max gross weight. If you were adding floats, legally you could have a max gross of 1430 and still comply with LSA, but would the airframe of the 750 (or other zenith kits) handle the additional weight? (extra 110 lbs)
I suppose I could have just simply asked; Was the aircraft engineered to exactly 1320 lbs gross, or was this reduced to have a legal LSA?
Thanks
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Rhino
Joined: 01 Aug 2007
Posts: 56
Location: Xenia, Ohio
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| Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 9:34 am Post subject: Re: Gross weight question |
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Multiple answers to multiple questions.
The 1320 weight restriction is usually applied due to LSA restrictions. An aircraft may indeed be able to handle more weight, but there is a caveat. In the case of the CH 750 and some others, the aircraft was designed specifically with (land) LSA in mind. As such, Zenith has not designed the aicraft to handle more, nor have they tested it as such for routine operations. Yes, they have tested it to higher loads, but that is intended as a safety margin only, not for day to day use. If you list a higher gross weight, you are basically on your own. But the deciding factor is likely that your insurance company may not cover you.
The 1430 restriction for amphibs is designed to account for the added weight underneath, not within. Additional weight within the aircraft may well create a wholly different structural stress scenario. Since the added allowance compensates for float weight, the effect on gross will be negligible. I imagine Zenith would tell you the airplane could probably accommodate floats, but they likely won't specifically say it's "okay" because that might incur liability on their part (dang lawyers). Personally I think the 750 would be very well suited for floats, and I imagine some companies may well come out with custom floats for it in the future.
As for belly pods, that would basically be up to you. Some people have put belly pods on the 701, but those would not affect gross if they are intended for additional bulk rather than weight. Whether or not people use them in that manner I really can't say. I know some people routinely fly over gross, but that isn't very smart in my book.
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_________________
Bob Simmons
CH 750
N750TN (reserved) |
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