The kit manufacturer says 1600lb.
Lots of people who have shown no engineering to back it up say 1800lbs.
I know where i'd place my bets.
You're right, I glossed over that as the question was specifically about the RV-6.I don't disagree with this position. However, when Vans added 45 some odd pounds with the introduction of the A model, they upped the A model's gross to 1650, eventhough no modifications were made to support more weight, just the need to maintain the same usable load (one could argue that the A model's gear is slightly stronger due to it' mounting method, but everything else is the same) Clearly there must be some decent margin there. That said, Van's in their designed load must account for builder variability and significant construction quality variances, especially in the earlier models without pre-punched panels and builder constructed spars.
Clearly there must be some decent margin there. That said, Van's in their designed load must account for builder variability and significant construction quality variances, especially in the earlier models without pre-punched panels and builder constructed spars.
Larry
Do you what that "decent" margin is? Do you know how much of that margin you have used up with the variability in you build?
This was just off the cuff thoughts and not a recommendation to increase gross weight.
Larry
However, when Vans added 45 some odd pounds with the introduction of the A model, they upped the A model's gross to 1650, eventhough no modifications were made to support more weight, just the need to maintain the same usable load (one could potentially argue that the A model's gear is slightly stronger due to it' mounting method, but everything else is the same)
My experience with RVs is a grand total of 1 RV7A, and my 6A.
I'm not sure what you mean by the feel changes...I fly it and land it quite well. It doesn't get a heavy, or squirrelly feel as fuel burns. I have flown it solo with light fuel, and full fuel with two 200 pounders in the seats, and I can honestly say there is no noticeable negative feeling in the airplane.
If the baggage area was empty in the above example, for most RV-6's or 7's you would still be well fwd of the aft C.G. limit.
With 100 lbs in the baggage compartment and a lot of the fuel burned off, the C.G. is often near the aft limit. In that case the feel is definitely different. Particularly in the landing flare.
If the baggage area was empty in the above example, for most RV-6's or 7's you would still be well fwd of the aft C.G. limit.
With 100 lbs in the baggage compartment and a lot of the fuel burned off, the C.G. is often near the aft limit. In that case the feel is definitely different. Particularly in the landing flare.
Yes, pillows and sleeping bags against the baggage bulkhead, and tiedown kit and tools under your thighs!To help a bit when loaded down in the side by sides, I have created a tall bin I mount over the center tunnel, I load small heavy items like tool kits, blow up air mattresses, wife's bathroom kit, etc. and securely strap it in there. This helps some in distributing the CG forward.