From: brian@deford.com Subject: COZY: Weight and Balance comparison Date: 06 Apr 2002 12:56:50 -0700 Cozy-ites, I had my airplane weighed on Wednesday and was hoping to compare it with others. Here are my particulars: Left main: 590 lb Right main: 597 lb Front: 27 lb Nose ballast: 41 lb Total empty weight: 1173 Aircraft had no usable fuel onboard but oil was in engine. Did a few weight and balance scenerios and nothing looks too bad. Will require some ballast in the nose when flying solo, but this seems to be the rule, not the exception. Regards, Brian DeFord Cozy N309BD From: marc_zeitlin@hsgmed.com Subject: COZY: Weight and Balance Date: Fri, 19 Jul 2002 15:03:51 -0600 People; So I had my W&B done yesterday by a repair shop (Liebfreid) at FIT. $225 for an hour or so - they wouldn't rent the scales to me, and I wasn't willing to use bathroom scales :-). The scales were pretty accurate - within one lb., anyway, AFAICT. I'm not totally displeased by the weight - 1155 lb. with a reasonably full panel, vacuum system, and front upholstery (spare). Given how little fill and paint I've got on the thing, I have no clue how one would build a plane that only weighs 1050 lb., but there you are - maybe some engines weigh a lot more than others? I have a solid crank (O-360-A2A), but how much steel could they have drilled out for the A1A - 3 lb? Jeff has pointed out that the blue foam varies a lot in density, but that can't be 10 - 20 lb max. A riddle inside an enigma :-). However, the balance is a problem. The empty CG comes in around 112.5", which means that I'd need a ton of ballast in the nose to fly solo. I had originally (5 years ago) wanted to put the battery in the nose, but was convinced otherwise, against my better judgment. I'm now going to have to do just that - moving the 23.5 lb. battery from FS-122 to FS-14 or so will move the empty CG to 110.4 while only adding about 1 - 2 lb of #4 wire. I'll leave the battery mount on the spar, so that either spot is available with a 10 minute swap. I'll still need 30 lb. of lead in the nose to fly solo, but I'll be able to carry up to 145 lb. of passenger in the right seat without switching ballast. By removing 10 lb., I can carry up to 180 lb., and if I remove all the ballast, up to 230 lb. Getting close - the FAA inspection is scheduled for August 1st :-). -- Marc J. Zeitlin mailto:marc_zeitlin@alum.mit.edu http://users.rcn.com/marc.zeitlin/ http://www.cozybuilders.org/ From ???@??? Mon Jul 22 19:14:03 2002 Return-Path: Received: from mx03.mrf.mail.rcn.net ([207.172.4.52] [207.172.4.52]) by mta01.mrf.mail.rcn.net with ESMTP id <20020720014429.ZPCJ336.mta01.mrf.mail.rcn.net@mx03.mrf.mail.rcn.net>; Fri, 19 Jul 2002 21:44:29 -0400 Received: from alum.mit.edu ([18.7.21.81]) by mx03.mrf.mail.rcn.net with esmtp (Exim 3.35 #5) id 17VjIL-0005aH-00 for marc.zeitlin@rcn.com; Fri, 19 Jul 2002 21:44:29 -0400 Received: from canard.com (lidar.net [64.246.36.7]) by alum.mit.edu (8.9.2/8.9.3) with ESMTP id VAA08179; Fri, 19 Jul 2002 21:44:26 -0400 (EDT) Received: (from wright@localhost) by canard.com (8.11.6/8.11.6) id g6K9i7U16720 for cozy_builders-outgoing; Sat, 20 Jul 2002 09:44:07 GMT X-Authentication-Warning: ensim.rackshack.net: wright set sender to owner-cozy_builders@canard.com using -f Received: from ensim.rackshack.net (root@localhost) by canard.com (8.11.6/8.11.6) with ESMTP id g6K9i7916715 for ; Sat, 20 Jul 2002 09:44:07 GMT X-ClientAddr: 66.133.131.34 Received: from relay01.roc.frontiernet.net (relay01.roc.frontiernet.net [66.133.131.34]) by ensim.rackshack.net (8.11.6/8.11.6) with ESMTP id g6K9i6G16710 for ; Sat, 20 Jul 2002 09:44:07 GMT Received: (qmail 17072 invoked from network); 20 Jul 2002 01:43:36 -0000 Received: from unknown (HELO r2h8m4) ([209.130.147.203]) (envelope-sender ) by relay01.roc.frontiernet.net (qmail-ldap-1.03) with SMTP for ; 20 Jul 2002 01:43:36 -0000 From: "jepplin" To: Subject: RE: COZY: Weight and Balance Date: Fri, 19 Jul 2002 20:42:28 -0500 Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Priority: 3 (Normal) X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook IMO, Build 9.0.2416 (9.0.2910.0) X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V5.50.4133.2400 Importance: Normal In-Reply-To: Sender: owner-cozy_builders@canard.com Precedence: bulk Reply-To: "jepplin" Marc, Mine came out at 110.3, O-360A1A power. Full panel, remote slaved compass system, data logging computer, electric nose lift and speed brake actuator, 2 batteries. Many extras. EW was 1212. Used chapter scales that are kept in good calibration. Did you verify all measurements, axel positions etc? I found the main gear to be an inch from the expected position. Seems this is not unusual, when I mounted the gear was careful to get it within 1/16 in. don't know what the explanation is except that the weight of the aircraft may move it. John Epplin.. N100EP. From ???@??? Mon Jul 22 19:13:47 2002 Return-Path: Received: from mx03.mrf.mail.rcn.net ([207.172.4.52] [207.172.4.52]) by mta01.mrf.mail.rcn.net with ESMTP id <20020720062527.FYSX336.mta01.mrf.mail.rcn.net@mx03.mrf.mail.rcn.net>; Sat, 20 Jul 2002 02:25:27 -0400 Received: from alum.mit.edu ([18.7.21.81]) by mx03.mrf.mail.rcn.net with esmtp (Exim 3.35 #5) id 17VngF-00059K-00 for marc.zeitlin@rcn.com; Sat, 20 Jul 2002 02:25:27 -0400 Received: from canard.com (lidar.net [64.246.36.7]) by alum.mit.edu (8.9.2/8.9.3) with ESMTP id CAA22783; Sat, 20 Jul 2002 02:25:22 -0400 (EDT) Received: (from wright@localhost) by canard.com (8.11.6/8.11.6) id g6KEPBY17888 for cozy_builders-outgoing; Sat, 20 Jul 2002 14:25:11 GMT X-Authentication-Warning: ensim.rackshack.net: wright set sender to owner-cozy_builders@canard.com using -f Received: from ensim.rackshack.net (root@localhost) by canard.com (8.11.6/8.11.6) with ESMTP id g6KEPBA17883 for ; Sat, 20 Jul 2002 14:25:11 GMT X-ClientAddr: 204.127.131.47 Received: from mtiwmhc22.worldnet.att.net (mtiwmhc22.worldnet.att.net [204.127.131.47]) by ensim.rackshack.net (8.11.6/8.11.6) with ESMTP id g6KEPBG17878 for ; Sat, 20 Jul 2002 14:25:11 GMT Received: from paul ([12.80.66.134]) by mtiwmhc22.worldnet.att.net (InterMail vM.4.01.03.27 201-229-121-127-20010626) with SMTP id <20020720062436.HXFC15849.mtiwmhc22.worldnet.att.net@paul>; Sat, 20 Jul 2002 06:24:36 +0000 From: "Paul" To: , Subject: RE: COZY: Weight and Balance Date: Fri, 19 Jul 2002 23:27:03 -0700 Message-ID: <000b01c22fb6$88225560$8642500c@paul> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Priority: 3 (Normal) X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook 8.5, Build 4.71.2173.0 Importance: Normal In-Reply-To: X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V5.50.4133.2400 Sender: owner-cozy_builders@canard.com Precedence: bulk Reply-To: "Paul" My original W&B (no paint or wheel pants) came out at 1135 lbs. with the CG at 112". After paint & wheel pants, and including all my normal flight stuff, the empty weight is 1203 lbs with the CG at 111.6". I'm 195 pounds, carry 34 lbs in front of the pedals and 25 lbs in front of the passenger seat. That gives me a CG og 101". I can also up carry 450 lbs in the front seats (of course, getting someone who weighs 255 lbs into the right seat could be a challenge). Paul Stowitts Cozy Mark IV N166PT From ???@??? Sat Jul 20 21:43:31 2002 Return-Path: Received: from mx03.mrf.mail.rcn.net ([207.172.4.52] [207.172.4.52]) by mta04.mrf.mail.rcn.net with ESMTP id <20020720223558.ODIS688.mta04.mrf.mail.rcn.net@mx03.mrf.mail.rcn.net>; Sat, 20 Jul 2002 18:35:58 -0400 Received: from alum.mit.edu ([18.7.21.81]) by mx03.mrf.mail.rcn.net with esmtp (Exim 3.35 #5) id 17W2pS-0001Ev-00 for marc.zeitlin@rcn.com; Sat, 20 Jul 2002 18:35:58 -0400 Received: from canard.com (lidar.net [64.246.36.7]) by alum.mit.edu (8.9.2/8.9.3) with ESMTP id SAA13910; Sat, 20 Jul 2002 18:35:55 -0400 (EDT) Received: (from wright@localhost) by canard.com (8.11.6/8.11.6) id g6L6ZUx27722 for cozy_builders-outgoing; Sun, 21 Jul 2002 06:35:30 GMT X-Authentication-Warning: lidar.net: wright set sender to owner-cozy_builders@canard.com using -f Received: from ensim.rackshack.net (root@localhost) by canard.com (8.11.6/8.11.6) with ESMTP id g6L6ZUL27717 for ; Sun, 21 Jul 2002 06:35:30 GMT X-ClientAddr: 207.217.120.22 Received: from hawk.mail.pas.earthlink.net (hawk.mail.pas.earthlink.net [207.217.120.22]) by ensim.rackshack.net (8.11.6/8.11.6) with ESMTP id g6L6ZU527712 for ; Sun, 21 Jul 2002 06:35:30 GMT Received: from user-1121ufl.dsl.mindspring.com ([66.32.249.245] helo=[172.16.1.34]) by hawk.mail.pas.earthlink.net with esmtp (Exim 3.33 #1) id 17W2oX-0001DP-00; Sat, 20 Jul 2002 15:35:01 -0700 User-Agent: Microsoft-Outlook-Express-Macintosh-Edition/5.02.2022 Date: Sat, 20 Jul 2002 17:34:30 -0500 Subject: Re: COZY: Weight and Balance From: David Domeier To: , Message-ID: In-Reply-To: Mime-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit Sender: owner-cozy_builders@canard.com Precedence: bulk Reply-To: David Domeier marc_zeitlin@hsgmed.com7/19/02 4:03 PM > However, the balance is a problem. The empty CG comes in around 112.5", which > means that I'd need a ton of ballast in the nose to fly solo. Marc, Yes you will unless you increase your body fat substantially. I fly solo with 21 pounds of ballast but the cg is at the aft limit and the airplane is very pitch sensitive. With 45 pounds of ballast, it's at 101.4 and flies best. Also, at that configuration, the elevator is very nearly in trail except during landing approach at 80 knots. Then it is down slightly. First weight and balance numbers were 1184 with 111.42. We are all in the same ball park. dd From: "jepplin" Subject: RE: COZY: FWD CG Date: Sun, 21 Jul 2002 08:06:41 -0500 I have the plans nose, it will accept a shot bag that was opened and sewed back shut with 18 pounds of lead shot. I call this at -3 inches. I just put it in loose, it cannot go anywhere and the cover has 4 camloc fasteners. I got some snap fasteners that were intended for life vests and some 3/4 in nylon webbing and attached this to the rear of the forward bulkhead. A full shot bag will fit up against the bulkhead and is secured by 2 of these straps. This is at +3 inches on the lefts side forward of the brake cylinders. I don't really like using lead shot bags, breaking a bag will be a bummer. Intend to cast some weights when I figure out the optimum amount needed is. Could make an attachment system that does not require tools for both the nose and as far in the rear as I can get in order to transport the weights if passenger load changes on a trip. I did put some of the life jacket straps on the top of the main landing gear box in the rear so I can tie the shot bags down back there if needed. John Epplin N100EP Mk IV From ???@??? Mon Jul 22 19:14:36 2002 Return-Path: Received: from mx03.mrf.mail.rcn.net ([207.172.4.52] [207.172.4.52]) by mta03.mrf.mail.rcn.net with ESMTP id <20020721134257.DVBB23623.mta03.mrf.mail.rcn.net@mx03.mrf.mail.rcn.net>; Sun, 21 Jul 2002 09:42:57 -0400 Received: from alum.mit.edu ([18.7.21.81]) by mx03.mrf.mail.rcn.net with esmtp (Exim 3.35 #5) id 17WGzB-0003NZ-00 for marc.zeitlin@rcn.com; Sun, 21 Jul 2002 09:42:57 -0400 Received: from canard.com (lidar.net [64.246.36.7]) by alum.mit.edu (8.9.2/8.9.3) with ESMTP id JAA10738; Sun, 21 Jul 2002 09:42:56 -0400 (EDT) Received: (from wright@localhost) by canard.com (8.11.6/8.11.6) id g6LLgYV32482 for cozy_builders-outgoing; Sun, 21 Jul 2002 21:42:34 GMT X-Authentication-Warning: lidar.net: wright set sender to owner-cozy_builders@canard.com using -f Received: from ensim.rackshack.net (root@localhost) by canard.com (8.11.6/8.11.6) with ESMTP id g6LLgY432477 for ; Sun, 21 Jul 2002 21:42:34 GMT X-ClientAddr: 64.136.24.75 Received: from m12.boston.juno.com (m12.boston.juno.com [64.136.24.75]) by ensim.rackshack.net (8.11.6/8.11.6) with ESMTP id g6LLgX532472 for ; Sun, 21 Jul 2002 21:42:33 GMT Received: from cookie.juno.com by cookie.juno.com for <"L941HVjjYzDhN3itp//mkDPRMS0I99SxQeGD5iHdMHLtk9FYlpYxhw=="> Received: (from alwick@juno.com) by m12.boston.juno.com (jqueuemail) id G79DGRY5; Sun, 21 Jul 2002 09:41:28 EDT To: cozy_builders@canard.com Date: Sun, 21 Jul 2002 06:24:43 -0700 Subject: Re: COZY: Weight and Balance Message-ID: <20020721.063952.-392697.2.alwick@juno.com> X-Mailer: Juno 5.0.33 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Juno-Line-Breaks: 4,7-14,16-61 From: alwick@juno.com Sender: owner-cozy_builders@canard.com Precedence: bulk Reply-To: alwick@juno.com Congrats Marc. Sounds like your weight and cg are very near nominal. Most of my flights are with passenger, yet I have found it most valuable to make removing ballast as quick as possible. I have remade my ballast sys twice now and finally happy. I would guess you would not be pleased with moving battery back and forth, even thought it sounds so good. To remove ballast I open nose door, pull one pin, open alum lid and extract the lead masses. They rest on hangar floor at nose so it's always apparent my ballast status. We want test reports!!!! We want status reports!! From ???@??? Sun Jul 21 10:33:34 2002 Return-Path: Received: from mx03.mrf.mail.rcn.net ([207.172.4.52] [207.172.4.52]) by mta05.mrf.mail.rcn.net with ESMTP id <20020721114716.CTOK28305.mta05.mrf.mail.rcn.net@mx03.mrf.mail.rcn.net>; Sun, 21 Jul 2002 07:47:16 -0400 Received: from alum.mit.edu ([18.7.21.81]) by mx03.mrf.mail.rcn.net with esmtp (Exim 3.35 #5) id 17WFBE-0002TN-00 for marc.zeitlin@rcn.com; Sun, 21 Jul 2002 07:47:16 -0400 Received: from canard.com (lidar.net [64.246.36.7]) by alum.mit.edu (8.9.2/8.9.3) with ESMTP id HAA29830; Sun, 21 Jul 2002 07:47:16 -0400 (EDT) Received: (from wright@localhost) by canard.com (8.11.6/8.11.6) id g6LJkeL32088 for cozy_builders-outgoing; Sun, 21 Jul 2002 19:46:40 GMT X-Authentication-Warning: lidar.net: wright set sender to owner-cozy_builders@canard.com using -f Received: from ensim.rackshack.net (root@localhost) by canard.com (8.11.6/8.11.6) with ESMTP id g6LJke132083 for ; Sun, 21 Jul 2002 19:46:40 GMT X-ClientAddr: 204.127.198.38 Received: from rwcrmhc51.attbi.com (rwcrmhc51.attbi.com [204.127.198.38]) by ensim.rackshack.net (8.11.6/8.11.6) with ESMTP id g6LJkd532078 for ; Sun, 21 Jul 2002 19:46:39 GMT Received: from ATTBI.com ([12.238.240.249]) by rwcrmhc51.attbi.com (InterMail vM.4.01.03.27 201-229-121-127-20010626) with ESMTP id <20020721114608.ZRAR24728.rwcrmhc51.attbi.com@ATTBI.com> for ; Sun, 21 Jul 2002 11:46:08 +0000 Message-ID: <3D3ABBE3.5000709@ATTBI.com> Date: Sun, 21 Jul 2002 06:49:23 -0700 From: "V. Atkinson" User-Agent: Mozilla/5.0 (Windows; U; Win98; en-US; rv:0.9.4) Gecko/20011019 Netscape6/6.2 X-Accept-Language: en-us MIME-Version: 1.0 To: cozy_builders@canard.com Subject: COZY: FWD CG Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Sender: owner-cozy_builders@canard.com Precedence: bulk Reply-To: "V. Atkinson" You folks that are doing your first flight stuff.......... When you add the ballast to the nose it will make a big difference if you add it right behind the nose cone skin. For instance, someone mentioned they put the weight behind the rudder pedals, well if you can move it to the farthest nook possible, you might gain 2 to 5 inches. 50lbs at a 5 inch gain is 250 inch lbs. On my Cozy III, the nose cone is a ballast tank. It can hold 5.5 gallons of water (or fuel since you always carry fuel) and the skin is 5 BID thick. I have a drain on the bottom and filler on the top (internally). Initially, I was concerned about having to drop a passenger off and having no weights to compensate. I have only run into that situation once in 15 years. I also started out trying to make the nose tank an intregal part of the Cozys fuel system with pumps, check valves, and lots of plumbing, but it got to complicated, what with possible pump and valve failures and what ifs.............. so I made it a stand alone tank. Vance Atkinson N43CZ From ???@??? Mon Jul 22 19:14:49 2002 Return-Path: Received: from mx03.mrf.mail.rcn.net ([207.172.4.52] [207.172.4.52]) by mta03.mrf.mail.rcn.net with ESMTP id <20020721142350.EORM23623.mta03.mrf.mail.rcn.net@mx03.mrf.mail.rcn.net>; Sun, 21 Jul 2002 10:23:50 -0400 Received: from alum.mit.edu ([18.7.21.81]) by mx03.mrf.mail.rcn.net with esmtp (Exim 3.35 #5) id 17WHcj-0001DX-00 for marc.zeitlin@rcn.com; Sun, 21 Jul 2002 10:23:49 -0400 Received: from canard.com (lidar.net [64.246.36.7]) by alum.mit.edu (8.9.2/8.9.3) with ESMTP id KAA14935; Sun, 21 Jul 2002 10:23:38 -0400 (EDT) Received: (from wright@localhost) by canard.com (8.11.6/8.11.6) id g6LMMtG00302 for cozy_builders-outgoing; Sun, 21 Jul 2002 22:22:55 GMT X-Authentication-Warning: betaweb.com: wright set sender to owner-cozy_builders@canard.com using -f Received: from ensim.rackshack.net (root@localhost) by canard.com (8.11.6/8.11.6) with ESMTP id g6LMMtU32765 for ; Sun, 21 Jul 2002 22:22:55 GMT X-ClientAddr: 204.127.198.39 Received: from rwcrmhc53.attbi.com (rwcrmhc53.attbi.com [204.127.198.39]) by ensim.rackshack.net (8.11.6/8.11.6) with ESMTP id g6LMMs532760 for ; Sun, 21 Jul 2002 22:22:55 GMT Received: from schpankme ([12.251.66.163]) by rwcrmhc53.attbi.com (InterMail vM.4.01.03.27 201-229-121-127-20010626) with SMTP id <20020721142223.CTFU26053.rwcrmhc53.attbi.com@schpankme> for ; Sun, 21 Jul 2002 14:22:23 +0000 From: "Larry A. Capps" To: "Cozy Builders \(E-mail\)" Subject: COZY: FWD CG Date: Sun, 21 Jul 2002 09:23:26 -0500 Message-ID: <000901c230c2$2e17b710$0600a8c0@schpankme> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Priority: 3 (Normal) X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook CWS, Build 9.0.2416 (9.0.2911.0) In-Reply-To: X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V6.00.2600.0000 Importance: Normal Sender: owner-cozy_builders@canard.com Precedence: bulk Reply-To: "Larry A. Capps" I'd recommend a fabricated nylon tool apron/bag into which custom areas are sewed to except a complete set of tools, this apron is folded and rolled into a tube shape, Velcroed shut and then velcroed into any place in the fuselage. This tool bag offers three immediate benefits: 1.) You will always have a complete set of tools (wrenches, sockets, pliers, ect) with you at all times. 2.) Can be Velcored into different places of the fuselage, placing the blast where you need it. 3.) Can incorporate lead-shot if needed. Best Regards, Larry A. Capps Naperville, IL Cozy MKIV #829, Chap 11 From ???@??? Sat Aug 17 23:47:30 2002 Return-Path: Received: from mx03.mrf.mail.rcn.net ([207.172.4.52] [207.172.4.52]) by mta03.mrf.mail.rcn.net with ESMTP id <20020818034249.TUCM5840.mta03.mrf.mail.rcn.net@mx03.mrf.mail.rcn.net>; Sat, 17 Aug 2002 23:42:49 -0400 Received: from alum.mit.edu ([18.7.21.81]) by mx03.mrf.mail.rcn.net with esmtp (Exim 3.35 #6) id 17gGxl-0007ZV-00 for marc.zeitlin@rcn.com; Sat, 17 Aug 2002 23:42:49 -0400 Received: from canard.com (lidar.net [64.246.36.7]) by alum.mit.edu (8.9.2/8.9.3) with ESMTP id XAA01583; Sat, 17 Aug 2002 23:42:39 -0400 (EDT) Received: (from wright@localhost) by canard.com (8.11.6/8.11.6) id g7I3dCb04750 for cozy_builders-outgoing; Sun, 18 Aug 2002 03:39:12 GMT X-Authentication-Warning: twctex.lidar.net: wright set sender to owner-cozy_builders@canard.com using -f Received: from twctex.lidar.net (root@localhost) by canard.com (8.11.6/8.11.6) with ESMTP id g7I3dCl04745 for ; Sun, 18 Aug 2002 03:39:12 GMT X-ClientAddr: 207.172.4.62 Received: from smtp03.mrf.mail.rcn.net (smtp03.mrf.mail.rcn.net [207.172.4.62]) by twctex.lidar.net (8.11.6/8.11.6) with ESMTP id g7I3dCn04740 for ; Sun, 18 Aug 2002 03:39:12 GMT Received: from 208-59-182-245.s1515.apx1.sbo.ma.dialup.rcn.com ([208.59.182.245] helo=zeitlin-1.rcn.com) by smtp03.mrf.mail.rcn.net with esmtp (Exim 3.35 #6) id 17gGvi-0005VJ-00 for cozy_builders@canard.com; Sat, 17 Aug 2002 23:40:42 -0400 Message-Id: <5.1.0.14.2.20020817182909.00a545b0@pop.rcn.com> X-Sender: marc.zeitlin@pop.rcn.com X-Mailer: QUALCOMM Windows Eudora Version 5.1 Date: Sat, 17 Aug 2002 18:37:32 -0400 To: Cozy Builders Mailing List From: "Marc J. Zeitlin" Subject: COZY: Accelerated Stalls/Aerobatic Maneuvers Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed Sender: owner-cozy_builders@canard.com Precedence: bulk Reply-To: "Marc J. Zeitlin" Jack Beale asks: > I'm sure that what I'm about to ask is an ignorant question....... There are no ignorant questions - don't ever hesitate to ask one. > In light of all the discussion relating to stall/spin accidents due > to aft-CG's in the COZY airplane; and, knowing (what little I do) about > having to add 'ballast' to the right front seat to get to a workable > CG; wouldn't it be advisable to change the design so that the front > seats are moved farther forward...? The ballast doesn't go in the right front seat, it goes up in the nose. I'm using ballast in the right front seat during my initial flights to keep the CG dead center in the middle of the CG range. Here are the min. and max. passenger weights that I can have, depending upon how much ballast I put in the nose, and assuming that I (at 155 - 160 lbs) am the pilot. ballast min pass. max. pass. 0 54 214 10 33 191 20 11 167 30 0 144 As you can see, there's no combination that will allow the full maximum passenger weight, AS WELL as the minimum passenger weight (just me as pilot). > It would seem that moving the seats (extending the fuselage) forward > by about 6" or so would correct the problem of inadvertently having > too-aft a CG. Nope. This would only ensure that you'd only be able to carry small children as passengers, because you could never get close enough to the rear CG with only a pilot to be able to load a large passenger. This is just one of the few drawbacks of this plane's configuration. Sometimes, you have to move some ballast. It takes about 5 minutes. I've set up my plane (20 lbs as above) so that I can fly solo (with a flight bag full of crap) or with my wife (110 lb) and whatever we can throw in the back, including my son. That'll be about 90% of my flying, I'm guessing. -- Marc J. Zeitlin mailto:marc_zeitlin@alum.mit.edu http://users.rcn.com/marc.zeitlin/ http://www.cozybuilders.org/ Copyright (c) 2002