N45FT has a birth weight...

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SuperFly
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N45FT has a birth weight...

Post by SuperFly »

Got N45FT weighed tonight. She's a little fatter than I had hoped for, at 847.5 lbs.

That is with oil and coolant, 29" tires, and a nitrous system.

I have heard of a couple over 900, and have heard of a couple under 800. So I guess Im about average. (story of my life...)

Just thought Id share what I came up with. Now waiting on the Feds.
Best,
Ben Schneider
Highlander #263 converted to SuperSTOL
N45FT Now Flying!
http://www.stolairplane.com
AV8R Paul
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Re: N45FT has a birth weight...

Post by AV8R Paul »

Take the little one off of the tires, that will save about 20 lbs.. :D :D. Congratulations!
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SheepdogRD
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Re: N45FT has a birth weight...

Post by SheepdogRD »

Congratulations, Ben... I hope the Feds are fast.

We'll need to see a lot of pictures... :D
Richard Holtz
Highlander N570L -- Ms. Tonka -- in gestation

If just enough is really good, then too much ought to be perfect.
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Re: N45FT has a birth weight...

Post by AV8R Paul »

Ben,
Post a Picture of her, having read your entire build site, I would like to see your completed Project.
When is your 1st Flight Schedule? Congratulations again!

Merry Christmas! With three children, I am sure it is an enjoyable occasion.
Paul Z
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Re: N45FT has a birth weight...

Post by SuperFly »

Here is a picture we took after getting it out of the shop, just before starting it up for the first time. Weather has not been fit to get it back out yet, but as soon as I do, Ill post some pictures.

45FT outside.jpg


This should be a link to the video.

https://youtu.be/YU5YavXzvxQ
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Best,
Ben Schneider
Highlander #263 converted to SuperSTOL
N45FT Now Flying!
http://www.stolairplane.com
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Re: N45FT has a birth weight...

Post by AV8R Paul »

Beautiful, and she's alive! Congratulations.
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Re: N45FT has a birth weight...

Post by SuperFly »

Thank you Paul,

And I have an update. I was tinkering around inside the airplane on Christmas eve, and I noticed there was fuel in the tanks. You couldn't see it from the door, because of the way I mounted my door hinges. But once up inside, I could see that there was still a bit of fuel in the right wing. So, I turned around, and sure enough, there was fuel in the left as well. Hmm... We just did the empty weight, and had not touched the airplane since. Now I know these Rotax engines are fuel efficient, but I dont think they make fuel...
I didnt first hand drain the fuel out of the airplane, I had some buddies there helping, so I assumed they had drained the fuel completely. Turns out, they had not quite got it all. The header tank was full, and there was a bit in each wing. AHH HAA! Thats why is so heavy!
We didnt get an empty weight.

I drained the rest of the fuel, got just about 2 gallons out.

Got it back on the scales, and the actual empty weight of N45FT is 836.5 pounds, with an emtpy CG of 14.25". Better.
Best,
Ben Schneider
Highlander #263 converted to SuperSTOL
N45FT Now Flying!
http://www.stolairplane.com
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Re: N45FT has a birth weight...

Post by smiley »

nice to see it Running. Also nice that she got thinner.
Congratulations
Looks Sweet
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gkremers
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Re: N45FT has a birth weight...

Post by gkremers »

Ben,
Congrats on the engine start, a big milestone for sure. Looking forward to your first flight report. We just need to get some good weather which has been hard to come by lately.

Gary
N325AB
Zeeland, MI
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Re: N45FT has a birth weight...

Post by AV8R Paul »

Ben looking at your N Number, I was wondering I'd it reflects your goal for landing distance? 45 Feet. :lol: Sorry, I'm am a retired engineer.
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Re: N45FT has a birth weight...

Post by SuperFly »

Thats exactly what it is Paul. It is nice and short, both for landing, and radio calls. :)
Best,
Ben Schneider
Highlander #263 converted to SuperSTOL
N45FT Now Flying!
http://www.stolairplane.com
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