We've published a handful of updates related to weight limits on the RV-6/6A/7A/9A aircraft.
Change to Max Recommended Gross Weight for RV-6 (taildragger only)
The first published change is to RV-6/6A Manual Section 14 (Weight & Balance). The change raises the recommended max gross weight for the RV-6 to 1650 pounds (this is a 50-pound increase and is now the same max gross weight as the RV-6A). Previously the RV-6 recommended max gross weight had been published at 1600 pounds. The RV-6/6A aerobatic limit (1375 pounds) does not change.
Why were these numbers different in the first place? When the RV-6A was created (after the RV-6 was already available), the structure was tested to a higher value to accommodate the slightly-heavier airplane. Structurally the two models are essentially the same from a max gross weight perspective. We are issuing this change to reflect that fact. And yes, we do realize it's been 35 years.
Removal of Nose Wheel Weight Limit on RV-6A/7A/9A with U-00019 Type Nose Gear
In addition, the max nosewheel weight for the RV-6A/7A/9A has been removed for aircraft where the new-style U-00019 nose gear leg (released in 2019) and engine mount are installed. In that case, the weight limits are instead determined using the aircraft’s overall weight and balance envelope. The new design was specifically tested prior to release around a worst-case forward CG loading scenario, and it was determined no limit is necessary other than the standard W&B envelope boundaries. We stated this year with the release but did not update Section 14 of the plans for each airplane, so we are formalizing that now.
The relevant documents are linked below:
Change to Max Recommended Gross Weight for RV-6 (taildragger only)
The first published change is to RV-6/6A Manual Section 14 (Weight & Balance). The change raises the recommended max gross weight for the RV-6 to 1650 pounds (this is a 50-pound increase and is now the same max gross weight as the RV-6A). Previously the RV-6 recommended max gross weight had been published at 1600 pounds. The RV-6/6A aerobatic limit (1375 pounds) does not change.
Why were these numbers different in the first place? When the RV-6A was created (after the RV-6 was already available), the structure was tested to a higher value to accommodate the slightly-heavier airplane. Structurally the two models are essentially the same from a max gross weight perspective. We are issuing this change to reflect that fact. And yes, we do realize it's been 35 years.
Removal of Nose Wheel Weight Limit on RV-6A/7A/9A with U-00019 Type Nose Gear
In addition, the max nosewheel weight for the RV-6A/7A/9A has been removed for aircraft where the new-style U-00019 nose gear leg (released in 2019) and engine mount are installed. In that case, the weight limits are instead determined using the aircraft’s overall weight and balance envelope. The new design was specifically tested prior to release around a worst-case forward CG loading scenario, and it was determined no limit is necessary other than the standard W&B envelope boundaries. We stated this year with the release but did not update Section 14 of the plans for each airplane, so we are formalizing that now.
The relevant documents are linked below:
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