The following is a question I put to our regulator (Australian Ultralight
Federation) and then I've include their answer.
I recently purchased a KR-2 (28-4085) and after some small alterations (ie
change of number, new seats,rework damaged fibreglass) I then intented to
tackle and make better a Cof G problem. The aft CofG limit is 302mm from the
datum (WRLE) and if this is what I have to work with, it seriously limits the
usable fuel. The header tank is 72 litres of which I can only burn off 28
litres before the CofG is outside the envelope!. Am I able too extend the aft
CofG to 330mm as in some other KR-2s?. If not am I able to remove the
retractable undercarriage and replace it with a fixed undercarriage which
slopes slightly forward. I can then recalculate the E.W and Cof G without the
engine, calculate the engine arm,and move the engine forward far enough to get
the CofG right after max fuel burn off and not have the plane fall on it's
nose. Seperate parts of this have been done by different builders but some were
done under the VH experimental. Am I able to perform this sort of work under
the 28 category?
Answer : As this A/C is a 101-28, and is built to a std eg FAR 23.
This means that the A/C must be maintained to this approved std.
If the mods you propose are out side the std to which your A/c was
built to, this will mean that you will not be able to modify this A/C.
My comment : Good grief, what next! Is there such a standard? Where can I find
them?Can I do these modifications and still comply with these stds? Does the
Rand company approve modifications to there design? Were can I find a list of
these approved designs? Has anyone got some legal ideas?
