Chris In Marshfield
Joined: 26 May 2006
Posts: 87
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 Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 1:10 pm Post subject: Sea/Float Plane empty vs. gross weight considerations |
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Afternoon all,
While at Oshkosh, I spoke with Paul Seehafer regarding the suitability of the LMA Super Cub replica as a sea/float plane. We briefly discussed the empty weight versus the gross weight rating of the aircraft and whether or not the useful load would be grossly affected while on floats. One of the phrases Paul used was the ability of the airplane to "lift its own weight" being a reasonable criteria for an aircraft's suitability for life on floats.
The LMA Super Cub replica is specified by the manufacturer as about 690 lbs. empty with an 1100 lb. gross weight when using a Rotax 582, and the use of a larger engine will obviously make the airplane weigh more. Builders using larger Continental engines and the like are using stronger landing gear and some other updates to bring the gross weight up a bit, but the typical GW is about 1200 lbs. for the ones I'm familiar with, which seems to be along similar lines as a stock J-3. But I'm not sure what the empty weight of a stock J-3 is. I did see at least three J-3s on floats while at OSH, but I didn't see how many people climbed out of them.
What are some of the criteria I should be considering when determining whether or not an airplane will work well on floats or not? Any experiences to share or online resources to reference?
Thanks and best regards,
Chris
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Chris Owens
Waunakee, WI |
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