Chris Engler
Active Member
Down to the final paperwork on the -8 build and wondering about increasing gross weight to 1850 or even 1875 rather than the Vans number of 1800. The airplane is on the heavier side with the Superior 400, constant speed prop, two 10.4 inch screens, full leather, auto-pilot, fastback conversion, etc. tipping the scales yesterday at 1150. I built with the intent of comfortable fast cross country so consistent with the mission and the higher weight fully anticipated. My question is what weight to register for gross? I could stick with the 1800 and the only time there would be a potential issue is with the wife on board and the airplane full of fuel and packed to the gills with baggage. Together we're 360 pounds and full fuel is 250 so that leaves 40 pounds for baggage....reasonable unless we pack heavy. If I register at 1150 that leaves more room for "legal" baggage and the airplane will be back to 1800 pounds less than an hour into a trip as the fuel burns down. The heavily loaded with 2 on board scenario would likely be less than 10% of the missions so not critical either way but thought I'd reach out for the collective wisdom of the group.
Thanks!
Thanks!