randylervold
moderator
There has been some confusion about Aerobatic gross weight on the RV-3 ever since the new B wings were introduced in 1998. I spoke with Van himself twice this week on this issue, he in turn discussed with his staff internally, and have now clarified it. Aerobatic gross weight for the RV-3 (all models, all wings) is 1,050 lbs. (no confusion on this). This figure however does NOT include fuel in WING tanks which is what was not clear. Note that any fuel in a fuselage tank WOULD be included in the Aerobatic gross.
Interestingly, he confirmed that this method applies to any RV model. As an RV-8 builder/pilot I interpreted Van's W&B instructions to mean that fuel WAS included in Aerobatic Category gross weight calculations as well as Utility/Normal Category gross weight operation. In fact that is erroneous -- as long as the fuel is in wing tanks it may be excluded from the Aerobatic calculation and limit. Of course Van's points out that weight has other deleterious effects on aerobatic handling and encourages pilots to use good judgement when loading their aircraft for aerobatics.
I have updated the summary of all RV-3 weight & balance data and issues on my web site...
http://www.romeolima.com/RV3works/Info/info.htm#WeightBalanceIssueshttp://www.romeolima.com/RV3works/Resources/resources.htm#WeightBalanceIssues
Informationally,
Interestingly, he confirmed that this method applies to any RV model. As an RV-8 builder/pilot I interpreted Van's W&B instructions to mean that fuel WAS included in Aerobatic Category gross weight calculations as well as Utility/Normal Category gross weight operation. In fact that is erroneous -- as long as the fuel is in wing tanks it may be excluded from the Aerobatic calculation and limit. Of course Van's points out that weight has other deleterious effects on aerobatic handling and encourages pilots to use good judgement when loading their aircraft for aerobatics.
I have updated the summary of all RV-3 weight & balance data and issues on my web site...
http://www.romeolima.com/RV3works/Info/info.htm#WeightBalanceIssueshttp://www.romeolima.com/RV3works/Resources/resources.htm#WeightBalanceIssues
Informationally,
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