fastj22 wrote:I have 48 hours on my Waiex. I've flown at gross (1200lbs for my plane) only a few times with most of the weight in the passenger seats. I'll tell you, I don't like it. It really changes the way the plane handles. Just doesn't feel right, compared to flying solo. Take heed to the Sonex warnings of exceeding 1200lbs. The wing is just too small to handle more than 1200lbs.
With all due respect ... I disagree. I'm currently flying Myunn at 1250 lbs gross and while it flys differently at gross, it flys like a heavily loaded Sonex. There are a good number of Sonex aircraft with the gross set at 1250 lbs. I know of one Waiex at 1250 lbs gross and I would hope that his flight testing included a test to that weight. Perhaps your weight and balance is not optimized if you have too much weight in the seat and your CG is too far to the rear the handling could be compromised.
The wings will certainly handle the weight. More power in a steep turn is needed but with the 120 HP on tap that isn't a concern. The G loading on the wings at 1250 lbs is LESS at 4.4+/2.2- than the G loading at 950 lbs at 6.0/3.0- during aerobatics! BTW, the ASTM standard for G ratings for Light Sport Aircraft are 4.0/2.0!
Does it feel different that flying solo? Of course it does! But part of the reason for the flight test is to learn how it flys at higher weights. But if you feel more comfortable with your gross at 1200 lbs, that's exactly what you should set it at.
Respectfully,
Dale Williams
N319WF @ 6J2
Myunn - "daughter of Cleanex"
120 HP - 3.0 Corvair
Tail Wheel - Center Stick
38:18 hours - Phase One
Status - Flying
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