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Richard Rabbers
Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 114 Location: Benton Harbor, MI - USA
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Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2006 6:58 am Post subject: Gross weight on floats |
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Hello float flyers.
Having a model 1 with gross of 850#... I'm the tiny kid on the block.
I've not yet mounted my 'good as new' FL-1220 floats.. (the ones that Joel Mapes helped with by doing a pre-purchase visual, thanks again Joel!)..or flown on wheels on this plane but am pursuing float mounts.
SO far my kitfox purchase has lead me to this group and has served one intended purpose.... reducing stress by getting my head out in the clouds.... I'd been about 5 years without flying. After I purchased my model one I got my tailwheel endorsement and float rating.
I've learned that the model 2 has some beefier wings and 100# higher gross. I took my first Kitfox flight in a model V on full lotus floats and understood that we were just under gross wt. (two guys at or just under 200#)
I'm working on lowering my personal gross but progress is slow.. and am also working to trim or minimize float mount weight.
I assume that the angle of incidence would help the floats 'fly' and assist the wing structural load (understanding that the floats would be adding drag with higher incidence)
The certified gross is 850# - the builder mounted the plane on floats at some early point - though did not pass along a log or notes. He had a Rotax 532. The last owner installed a 618 so power should be pretty good.
I'm not sure if I can (as other than builder):
1- increase the gross wt.
2- be safe at a slighty higher gross wt.
I'd welcome any comments.
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_________________ Richard in SW Michigan
Model 1 / 618 - full-lotus floats (restoration) |
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Float Flyr
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Joined: 19 Jul 2006 Posts: 2704 Location: Campbellton, Newfoundland
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Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2006 8:27 am Post subject: Gross weight on floats |
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I'm in a similar boat! Just a different float.... Aerocet 1100s
My model III-A has a gross weight of 950#. So far the closest I've come to
that is in the neighbourhood of 900#. I've been told that when my plane was
sold as a kit Denney was trying to sell the same kit in Japan and their
requirements stated a max of 950#. Shortly after my kit was delivered the
plane with a slightly wider fuselage was sold with a 1050 gross.
A Transport Canada Inspector told me I because in Canada these kits are
considered Amateur Built (similar to experimental) the builder or owner can
designate the gross weight or make any changes he wants. TC needs to be
informed of any changes and a new data plate needs to be attached to the
plane. A flight test may be required... ROC etc. His exact words were
"It's only a number don't worry about it". So I don't worry about it......
I worry about my insurance ;^}
BTW I am flying on a 582 grey head upgraded and a "B" box with an Ivo
in-flight adjustable prop. Take off run is short and climb is around
800'/min initial. To be honest I haven't tried to pull a full power stall
on floats to see how fast it will climb.
I think you will find your floats very adaptable... They can land on the
shallowest waters, snow, ice and even on wet grass. Lots of the guys around
here who have them regularly fly off snow and ice.
Noel
[quote] --
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_________________ Noel Loveys
Kitfox III-A
Aerocet 1100 Floats |
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Richard Rabbers
Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 114 Location: Benton Harbor, MI - USA
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Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2006 9:49 am Post subject: Re: Gross weight on floats |
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Noel,
Thanks for your note.
It will help me some to get my 'feet wet' - then I can develop a feel for things. I'll read up on FAA regarding gross wt. changes.
More than once I've felt dissappointment for buying a model vs. 2-3 or 4. More times than that... for not getting it flying by now!
Thanks to you and others I'm able to enjoy reading of challanges and adventures.
- Also I think about your great view of the north Atlantic from time to time.
I'm a sailor and have been too far away from the Ocean for quite some time now. Lake Michigan is not small but there's something to thousands of miles of water.... that tweaks my adventure bug.
do not archive
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_________________ Richard in SW Michigan
Model 1 / 618 - full-lotus floats (restoration) |
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Float Flyr
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Joined: 19 Jul 2006 Posts: 2704 Location: Campbellton, Newfoundland
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Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2006 6:31 pm Post subject: Gross weight on floats |
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This is a scene from my deck overlooking Indian Arm, Notre Dame Bay,
Newfoundland.
Greetings!
I have a slight problem that has kept me out of the air most of the summer.
TC changed the registration of my plane so now I have to do a float
endorsement. Getting it done in this remote location had been a bit
difficult. Worse than that winter is coming and I need some conventional
instruction... If I put the wheels or skis on this winter.
Noel
[quote] --
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_________________ Noel Loveys
Kitfox III-A
Aerocet 1100 Floats |
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