Perusing this site while the primer dries, I find many admonishments to "build light." Was it Art Chard who said to "add lightness?" Sounds good to me. But where does this lightness come from? Since I'm just getting started, I have plenty of opportunity to add it everywhere from the rudder forward.
A related but separate issue is speed. I have a Bonanza. I REALLY want my RV to be a Bonanza killer. But some things remove lightness while adding speed.
So......
1)What are some concrete examples of how you've "built light" or seen it done? I can think of a handful: Minimize priming. Minimize interior/soundproofing. Maybe minimize avionics, but they don't weigh what they used to. I suspect a G3X weighs less than steam gauges with a vacuum pump and plumbing. Light prop (composite or wood). Parallel-valve engine. Polish, don't paint. Lightweight battery.
2)What are some concrete examples of how you've gotten a fast airplane, or known of others to get one? Maybe: More horsepower -- angle-valve 360, Rocket, etc. Constant speed prop. Build light!
But angle valve motors and constant speed props add more weight than you'll ever save by minimizing the interior.
So, tell me your experience with building light and flying fast!
A related but separate issue is speed. I have a Bonanza. I REALLY want my RV to be a Bonanza killer. But some things remove lightness while adding speed.
So......
1)What are some concrete examples of how you've "built light" or seen it done? I can think of a handful: Minimize priming. Minimize interior/soundproofing. Maybe minimize avionics, but they don't weigh what they used to. I suspect a G3X weighs less than steam gauges with a vacuum pump and plumbing. Light prop (composite or wood). Parallel-valve engine. Polish, don't paint. Lightweight battery.
2)What are some concrete examples of how you've gotten a fast airplane, or known of others to get one? Maybe: More horsepower -- angle-valve 360, Rocket, etc. Constant speed prop. Build light!
But angle valve motors and constant speed props add more weight than you'll ever save by minimizing the interior.
So, tell me your experience with building light and flying fast!