[NSRCA-discussion] Airplane Weight Limits

[Richard Strickland]

We built a Temptation for a Mintor 170 a few years ago, had several problems
and converted to the relatively 'standard' Hacker set-up and longer gear.
We started out with twin FMA/Kokam 3200 5s1ps through discharge protection
modules.  That set-up ended up about 11lb, 2oz.  Then I got a
painted-in-the-mold Impact, took reasonable care on the set-up and came up
with 11lb, 2oz--again.  In both instances, I could shed around 2.5 oz by
removing the DPMs.  I think that year we were still flying P05 and at first
we got a pattern plus about 4 maneuvers--then 3--then 2--and after 25
cycles, the batts were shot as far as FAI was concerned.  Those batteries
were about 2lb, 1 oz/pair.  Now, granted the new higher C ratings will help
with somewhat lower capacities at about this same weight--so that bodes well
for E power--I still have my doubts on cycles--but time will tell.   But now
I've got four sets of 5000s--all weighing in at around 3 lbs and no way to
make the airplanes competitive.  I'm not flying this year because of other
pressures--but I'm still not looking forward to building a couple more
airplanes for next year (I hope).  My gripe is probably for guys like myself
that are kind of on the edge of being in and out and don't see (completely)
the logic of the different weighing rules.

Richard
  -----Original Message-----
  From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org
[mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org]On Behalf Of Ron Van Putte
  Sent: Friday, June 22, 2007 9:27 AM
  To: NSRCA Mailing List
  Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Airplane Weight Limits


  It is said that you can't understand a person's problems until you've
walked a mile in their shoes.  John and I didn't understand what the
problems were regarding making weight with electric-powered airplanes until
he decided to compete with one.  I am still competing with a glow-powered
Focus.


  John's airplane is under 5 Kg, but not by much.  Due to an extensive
weight-saving building job on his Black Magic by Mike Hester and John's
careful selection and installation of radio, batteries, ESC, prop, motor,
spinner, et al, his airplane is OK with weight, even in the kind of winds we
often see at the Nats.  He's thinking about the guys who can't afford as
much $$$ as he has invested in his setup.  The average guy probably can't
build an electric-powered 2 meter airplane that makes weight and is
competitive with the kind of budget required for a glow-powered version of
the same airplane.


  Ron Van Putte


  The learning curve is very steep.

  On Jun 21, 2007, at 11:54 PM, Keith Black wrote:


    I fly electric but still would be against this proposal.

    John F. makes some good points in his justification, however, I simply
think that Dave's counter points out "weigh" John's points.

    I think if you read Dave's post with an open mind and not a
pre-conceived "position" you feel you have to protect you'll find his logic
very compelling.

    BTW, I find this change of heart by you and John quite amusing. This is
probably unfair but it almost sounds as if one of you can't get your new
e-plane to make weight with the current rules. I'm sure that's not true, but
from the outside it certainly appears that way.

    I hope the real reason for "floating" this idea was to get people
opinions. If so I'm beginning to see a trend.

    Keith Black

    ----- Original Message -----
      From: Ron Van Putte
      To: NSRCA Mailing List
      Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2007 7:38 PM
      Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Airplane Weight Limits


      I was also not aware that glow-powered airplanes needed the handicap
they already have.  I agree that, with innovative design and $$$,
electric-powered airplanes can compete with glow-powered airplanes.  The
ones who suffer from the weight inequity are those who can't afford the $$$
to overcome the weight inequity.


      Ron Van Putte


      On Jun 21, 2007, at 6:59 PM, John Ferrell wrote:


        I did not realize that the Electrics were in need of a handicap.
They seem to be doing just fine against the recips under current rules.

        If you really think they need a little help by all means give them a
rule book boost!

        John Ferrell    W8CCW
        "Life is easier if you learn to plow
               around the stumps"
        http://DixieNC.US

          ----- Original Message -----
          From: Ron Van Putte
          To: NSRCA Mailing List
          Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2007 2:44 PM
          Subject: [NSRCA-discussion] Airplane Weight Limits


          I just got this response from John Fuqua.


          Ron Van Putte


          The guys are missing the point.  It is not about what can be
achieved on weight.  It is what is permitted by the rules.  They are not
arguing the logic of what the rules allow (in most cases) but examples of
what has been achieved.   Please make that point.


          John





          From: Ron Van Putte [mailto:vanputte at cox.net]
          Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2007 1:18 PM
          To: Fuqua John D Mr CTR USAF 697 ARSF/EN
          Subject: Fwd: [NSRCA-discussion] Fwd: Electric Weight Proposal
Logic and Rationale




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