Keith,

 

I have certificated my 320 W&B with an empty weight of 1200# and a max gross take off weight of 1800#.  Lancair once revised the max gross weight limit to 1800# (if I remember correctly) although that may have been in conjunction with using the long engine mount or the MKII tail or both.  My aircraft has been arranged to favor the forward part of the CG range.  Remember that CG is important - you may be okay with 240# of full fuel (including the header tank) and 360# of flesh in the first class seats, but don't try that with a 180# pilot and 180# of tungsten in the baggage compartment.

 

Also, remember that the landing gear was designed for the 1685# limit.  Thus, dump fuel or the passenger before making that carrier style landing.  You have beefed up the main over-center link spar-mounted pivot point, eh?

 

Scott Krueger

 

Speaking with a few owners, most of them have operated in the 1800-1900lb range, at least out of airports where runway length was not a factor. 

If I understand correctly, the published figure is 1685lbs. I'm curious how that number was derived, and what I should be on the lookout for when exceeding that weight.

I know that when I took my first demo ride 2 weeks ago, we were around 1750lbs, and climbing out at 1500fpm on what was pretty close to a standard day.

What maximum figure would you use for a 360?