A1Skinner wrote:Scolopax wrote:Crzyivan13 wrote:I think the extended baggage (flat floor) and firewall battery is a no brainer. Especially after seeing the cavern that is the extended baggage in these airplanes.
I realize the propensity of forward cg and i fully intend to run the numbers before buying anything. But even if there is a forward cg issue it can be compensated for.
I ALWAYS have some sort of tool kit/tie downs and light survival gear. To me, the weight penalty is worth it. Its not like every takeoff and landing is a STOL competition anyway, Right? [emoji6][emoji1303]
For me, it came down to: Would I rather carry an extra 20 pounds of battery and cable, or 20 pounds of survival gear, tools, water, etc... It's still nearly impossible to load out the forward end of the envelope with the Atlee battery kit. It can be pretty tough to get it real slow when loaded lightly at forward CG. With nothing in the baggage compartment, it's about impossible to pitch for less than 65 mph IAS, so if you want to win an STOL competition, it will probably happen at a little heavier weight.
Interesting comment. What year is your 180? My 62 is very east to load out the front. With my wife and I and fuel fuel we are out the front. But I have a heavy 3 bladed Hartzell that weighs 84lbs... still highly recommend the FW battery and airglas EB though. Some tools and survival equipment and all is well.
I'm flying a 1967 model. I had it on the scales and measured the arms a couple of months ago and it weighed in at 1726 with full oil, jump seats removed and bigger heavy tires. I haven't run the calcs yet, but I think that it will be under 1700 with normal size tires. A heavy prop on the nose will definitely make a lot of difference. I'm running a 2-blade 88 inch MAC. Not sure how much it weighs, but I'm pretty sure that it's significantly less than 84 lbs.



