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- Jan 19, 2020
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Hi everyone.
Recently scored a 47 PA11. Flies wonderfully, but looking to future possibilities of loaded camping trips and even float use.
Trouble is, it got reweighed right before I bought it and it's 999 empty on wheels, Like 1076 on floats. Looking through the 1948 paperwork when it was sold new with a claimed empty weight of 741 brings a tear to my eye. Off the top of my head, weight gaining changes over the last 73 years include: o200A with a large Mac prop both installed via field approval in the 1960's
pa18 tail, pa18 landing gear with 26" Goodyears, an electrical system to include radio, starter, alternator, battery, intercom, etc TWO 18 gallon wing tanks, and heat for both occupants (maybe front was original?)
250 extra pounds doesn't sound far fetched considering what has been added, especially if Piper's scales were optimistic). What bothers me, is everyone else I read about with a similarly equipped plane claims to be WAY lighter.
I'm here to ask for help with diet ideas. What kind of weight can I hope to lose getting rid of the electrical system if I resign myself to losing it? A wing tank? Would love for this thing to be a little more believable in the eyes of the FAA as a 2 place aircraft even if the performance won't be stellar.
Thanks in advance
Recently scored a 47 PA11. Flies wonderfully, but looking to future possibilities of loaded camping trips and even float use.
Trouble is, it got reweighed right before I bought it and it's 999 empty on wheels, Like 1076 on floats. Looking through the 1948 paperwork when it was sold new with a claimed empty weight of 741 brings a tear to my eye. Off the top of my head, weight gaining changes over the last 73 years include: o200A with a large Mac prop both installed via field approval in the 1960's
pa18 tail, pa18 landing gear with 26" Goodyears, an electrical system to include radio, starter, alternator, battery, intercom, etc TWO 18 gallon wing tanks, and heat for both occupants (maybe front was original?)
250 extra pounds doesn't sound far fetched considering what has been added, especially if Piper's scales were optimistic). What bothers me, is everyone else I read about with a similarly equipped plane claims to be WAY lighter.
I'm here to ask for help with diet ideas. What kind of weight can I hope to lose getting rid of the electrical system if I resign myself to losing it? A wing tank? Would love for this thing to be a little more believable in the eyes of the FAA as a 2 place aircraft even if the performance won't be stellar.
Thanks in advance
