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Does anyone know what the real max weight for an affordaplane is? I have
read several different values for this and am confused as to if the
limit is simply due to a regulatory limit on weight or the actual max
safe take-off weight of this design. I have seen the max pilot weight
listed as both 250 and 286lbs. I am more than one and less than the
other :)
The plane I am building is designed to meet the FAR 103 reqs as far as
weight if you choose to build it that way. IOW: "empty weight of less
than 254 pounds (115 kg)"
Some versions of this plane that I have seen were obviously exceeding
that limit by using heavier engines, larger fuel tanks, floats and
other peices. More power to them I say.
I am not in a situation where I may be subject to FAA scrutiny...The
plane will be used over remote private land so the weight limit is only
a concern to me from a structual safety point of view.
I am near the official max weight for the pilot in this plane. There are
some cosmetic areas of the build that are optional. I could easily
leave them off to reduce total weight to add some safety margin.
I have found several engine options that weigh less than the suggested
engines and produce more power at the same time.
All these choices really depend what the 500 lb max weight is all
about....500 seems like an awful round number unless it's based on a
regulation.
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Overweight Plane
