longwinglover
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To prevent severe thread drift, I'm starting a new thread on this...
Some have questions about the ability / legality of flying the J3 from the front seat. For the discussion these "clips" are from the J3C TCDS A-691 and reference the J3C-65 (J3F and L are similar). This is not to brow beat anybody, but intended to get everybody to think about the issue.
Empty Weight C. G. Range If placard "Solo flying in rear seat only" is installed (See NOTE 2):
(+8.5) to (+20.3)
When empty weight C. G. falls within range given, computation of critical
fore and aft C. G. positions is unnecessary. Range is not valid for non-
standard arrangements.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
NOTE 2 Placard front cockpits of Models J3C-50, J3C-65, J3C-50S with McKinley floats and J3C-65S
with McKinley floats: "Solo flying from rear seat only." Placard may be removed if individual
aircraft actual weight and balance shows that the approved C. G. limits will not be
exceeded under any loading condition. Manufacturer recommends that all J-3 airplanes be
flown solo from the rear seat.
Under what possible loading conditions (and airframe configuration) could you not exceed the approved C.G. limits? The statement says "ANY" loading conditions, so full fuel / oil and front seat solo MUST be considered as ONE condition.
What is the Empty Weight C.G. Range if placard "Solo flying from rear seat only" is NOT installed?
How would the statement "Manufacturer recommends that all J-3 airplanes be flown solo from the rear seat." be construed in a legal sense?
If you DO have the placard, are flying solo (loaded within approved C.G. limits), CAN you legally solo from the front seat?
If you DO NOT have the placard, are flying solo (loaded within approved C. G. limits), SHOULD you fly from the REAR seat (because Piper recommends it)?
Let the discussion begin! ;D
John Scott
Some have questions about the ability / legality of flying the J3 from the front seat. For the discussion these "clips" are from the J3C TCDS A-691 and reference the J3C-65 (J3F and L are similar). This is not to brow beat anybody, but intended to get everybody to think about the issue.
Empty Weight C. G. Range If placard "Solo flying in rear seat only" is installed (See NOTE 2):
(+8.5) to (+20.3)
When empty weight C. G. falls within range given, computation of critical
fore and aft C. G. positions is unnecessary. Range is not valid for non-
standard arrangements.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
NOTE 2 Placard front cockpits of Models J3C-50, J3C-65, J3C-50S with McKinley floats and J3C-65S
with McKinley floats: "Solo flying from rear seat only." Placard may be removed if individual
aircraft actual weight and balance shows that the approved C. G. limits will not be
exceeded under any loading condition. Manufacturer recommends that all J-3 airplanes be
flown solo from the rear seat.
Under what possible loading conditions (and airframe configuration) could you not exceed the approved C.G. limits? The statement says "ANY" loading conditions, so full fuel / oil and front seat solo MUST be considered as ONE condition.
What is the Empty Weight C.G. Range if placard "Solo flying from rear seat only" is NOT installed?
How would the statement "Manufacturer recommends that all J-3 airplanes be flown solo from the rear seat." be construed in a legal sense?
If you DO have the placard, are flying solo (loaded within approved C.G. limits), CAN you legally solo from the front seat?
If you DO NOT have the placard, are flying solo (loaded within approved C. G. limits), SHOULD you fly from the REAR seat (because Piper recommends it)?
Let the discussion begin! ;D
John Scott
