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<< Lancair Builders' Mail List >>
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First Union Securities, Inc.
Listers -
This weekend was a momentous occasion in my garage. I finally put ALL the
parts together on my airplane at one time. So it really looked like an
airplane - albeit kinda ugly with its mottled cowling and grunged primer.
Then came the weight and balance measurements. Wow, was it depressing. As
some of you already know, I have installed an intercooled, turbocharged
200-hp Lycoming. I also have a very full/padded interior, full panel, and
probably too much primer. Now I will pay the price... the bottom line
was... over 1,300 pounds empty. That is really depressing. I sat around
moping most of Saturday night - I shouldn't have been surprised, but I was.
I had hoped for closer to 1,200. I brainstormed for ways to shed weight.
Short of removing the turbo, I really wasn't able to get rid of more than
about 20 pounds, and that was at a cost of about 250 dollars per pound plus
about 10 hours of labor per pound. A diet won't really help me or my
girlfriend - I am 150 lbs and she is 125 lbs - I guess that's good.
A special thanks to Rick Argente is in order for his tremendous weight and
balance program. It really made life easy. I started the process with a
piece of paper and a calculator - then went into the house to download this
program. What a time saver. I guess it is at least somewhat encouraging
that I have no aft-CG problem. Not even close. I do have a forward CG
concern with only me and a full header tank, but a few pounds in the baggage
compartment resolves that.
What's left before the test flight? Installing the MAC flap position
indicator, fixing a leaking wing drain port, a few more nutplates on the
cowl, a little caulk here and there, some final wiring stuff (to be done
this weekend by Bryant Cervans of Panel Specialties) and more engine
running. First flight is planned for mid-November.
Matt
ISO a carbon fiber brain to replace those heavy rocks...
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LML website: http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html
LML Builders' Bookstore: http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair
Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.
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