LSA Weight waivers?

[drseti]

I assume the Terrafugia has to meet all DOT standards, so it's going to have airbags and crush zones, isn't it?

Probably, but that was supposed to have all been covered by the previous weight increase. And that previous waiver still kept the stall speed requirement unchanged. Now they're asking not just for more weight, but also for a stall speed exemption. What's next?

[Hambone]

Judging by the crowds I saw while walking around Sun n Fun, many pilots could gain at least 40 pounds of useful load by exercising and bypassing KFC!

[rgstubbsjr]

Judging by the crowds I saw while walking around Sun n Fun, many pilots could gain at least 40 pounds of useful load by exercising and bypassing KFC!

Hey! Knock it off!
I resemble that remark.

[Wm.Ince]

Judging by the crowds I saw while walking around Sun n Fun, many pilots could gain at least 40 pounds of useful load by exercising and bypassing KFC!

Or . . . look to purchase a CTSW!

[drseti]

And then what, Bill, fly it solo?

[drseti]

Al Marsh, who wrote about the Terrafugia exemption request in the latest AOPA pilot, quotes their CEO as saying that the weight will have to be 1800 pounds, with or without the exemption. If they don't get it, they will proceed with certification in the Primary Category. Sounds like they're admitting they can't do this within LSA rules.

[CharlieTango]

And then what, Bill, fly it solo?

My CTSW has a useful load of 601 lbs.

[drseti]

That's very good, CT (and 47# more useful load than my SportStar). I know there are other CTs out there that are much heavier. What do you suppose accounts for this, the LS airframe and wing, excessive avionics, the new injected engine, something else?

[sandpiper]

That's very good, CT (and 47# more useful load than my SportStar). I know there are other CTs out there that are much heavier. What do you suppose accounts for this, the LS airframe and wing, excessive avionics, the new injected engine, something else?

All of the above. My 2007 CTSW has a useful of 570#. They get heavier every year. The CTLS stretched by what? 14 or 18 inches? More avionics, creature comforts, etc, etc. the new LSi has a useful of about 490# or less.

Good incentive for exercise and weight loss.. Or get a CTSW?

[Wm.Ince]

And then what, Bill, fly it solo?

With a documented empty weight of 748 lbs., I don't think so.
That's just one of the reasons I love the SW.
And the 34 gal. fuel tank (33 usable) doesn't hurt either.

[MrMorden]

My CTSW has an empty weight on the factory sheet of 735lb, for a useful of 585lb. It's probably due to get re-weighed, and I expect to lose about 10lb when that happens.

I basically get me, the wife, 24 gallons of fuel, and 60lb of baggage. Or just me, full tanks (34 gal), and 180lb+ of "stuff". Either config gets me at least 3 hours plus an hour reserve at high cruise, which is about my limit before needing a stretch & pee. Even after I get the plane re-weighed I should have a pretty generous load that suits my mission very well.

I'm 6'1" and weigh about 185lb and try to stay away from the KFC. Ice cream is harder for me...

[drseti]

John, Bill, and Andy, you've all underscored a point made here frequently - that there are LSAs out there with reasonable payload, that will fit many pilots' missions. Enjoy your CTs, and fly them safely!

Still, we should all steer clear of BK and DQ.

[Wm.Ince]

Still, we should all steer clear of BK and DQ.

Sorry Paul, but I am not giving up my Strawberry-Banana Blizzards.

[drseti]

Consume them at your own peril, Bill.

[MrMorden]

Consume them at your own peril, Bill.

All things in moderation, I say!