Ana1234 wrote:Hi, new member here. I searched the forum for answers to my questions and didn't find them.

I have a Cessna 182Q and am thinking of installing a Sportsman STOL kit so I can get into a short (550') uphill grass strip with a couple of 20' obstacles 50' apart at the beginning.

1. Does the Sportsman STOL kit increase the wingspan of the 182? No, but it increases the wing area
2. It looks like it moves the CG further forward. I'm already near the forward limit when I fly alone. How much of an impact does the kit have on CG and aircraft feel? (The 182 already is heavy on the elevator; how does the kit change the control feel, particularly elevator feel during the flare?) You wont feel the airplane is nose heavy more than before, it weights 11 pounds, and its close to the CG, you will need to adjust your approach speed or else the plane will float, so elevator feel at the same speeds you approach right now will feel lighter, if you slow way down it will still feel heavier, I recommend VGs on top the Sportsman , increases control authority at slow speeds , and that includes the feel of the elevator, also I recommend you add some ballast in the cargo compartment to fight the nose heavy feeling of the 182.
3. Assuming a no-wind condition and sufficient skill, what is the minimum width obstacle clearance on either side of the wingtips? That is pilot preference and skill, I have landed and made approaches where the trees are 3 ft from the wingtips, on a calm day, my plane is in Fall City WA, if you want to look at it.

Thanks!