> I just read in issue 15 of the news letter > that the ideal static weight for the tail wheel > is 5 lbs. ? Does anyone know what the ideal > weight for the nose wheel is?? Paul Visk Belleville Il 618
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Given identical gear setup, the weight will vary from aircraft to aircraft depending on how it is built (loaded) and where the empty CG falls. Identical gear setups with the CG at the same moment arm should have very similar weights given identical aircraft empty weights. Any change in gear location or aircraft empty weight will cause the weights to change also. My gear legs, being slightly longer and placing the main wheel contact slightly forward, will cause my tail weight to be slightly heavier. Remember, the CRITICAL factor is the flight C.G., not weight on the ground. A slightly lighter or heavier weight on the nose or tail will effect takeoff and landing handling, not flight performance. Given identical gear locations, a large variance in weight on aircraft with the same empty weighs probably indicates a CG problem. An RV 10 I helped on weighted out just 4 pounds different than the factory example. The nose wheel weight came out several pounds (15 pounds as I recall) lighter than factory indicating the empty CG slightly aft of factory. Well within range and not a bad thing on an RV10 which is considered to be a bit of a nose heavy airplane. Those in the know recommend flying it with 50 pounds in the baggage area. Too many variables to say any weight is ideal. It is what it is as long as the C.G. is located properly. Larry Flesner
