I've been going through all the newsletters researching reported weight on the tail. More specifically weight at the tail spring bolt. I found weight ranges on flying airplanes from 34 pounds on an Acro II with a 20.5" motor mount to 85 pounds with a standard 14" mount. The empty weight of most of the examples is from 1,000 to 1,100 pounds. I'm thinking that a 50 pound range is a little ridiculous. A large percent of the airplanes seem to be from 65 to 75 pounds on the tail spring bolt.
What I would ask of the guys with flying airplanes is to post your empty weight and weight at the tail spring bolt for comparison. Also if you are using a wood or metal propeller and the length of your mount if other than the standard 14" mount. Another variable is axle location. Mine is 12.5" aft of the firewall which is about 1" forward of the prototype axle location. This can be a factor as well. The weights should be with the aircraft level.
Right now my airplane has 65 pounds on the tail spring bolt with a wood prop and no covering on the wings. It also has a 12" motor mount. Thinking I may need a metal prop or in the worst case a longer mount.
Collecting this information has probably never been done. I'm thinking it is time.
Edited by: Neil
