mstull
R.I.P.
I wrote the EAA about Part 103 weight allowances for floats, parachutes, and other safety
devices:
Do these allowances permit us to operate under Part 103 if our planes won't meet the stall speed limit with the added weight? I keep reading articles about U/Ls that claim to be legal because they meet the weight allowance. But it is obvious they don't have enough wing area to meet the stall speed requirement at that weight.
I don't expect magazine editors to question manufacturers' specifications that are obviously exagerated. But potential buyers should be aware that stall speeds are increased with added weight... and the FAA knows it. It seems that people plan to continue to try to fly under the radar with "fat" U/Ls.
The EAA replied with the answer I expected:
Mark,
Thank you for the e-mail. The additional weight for floats (and other safety devices) does not allow any additional stall speed. Each ultralight operator must be able to demonstrate compliance with the ultralight requirements at the time of each flight. It is an individuals responsibility to comply with the regulations and the FAA's responsibility to enforce the regulations.
Your point about stall speeds increasing with additional weight is an excellent one!
Timm Bogenhagen
EAA Aviation Services
Ultralight Programs Manager
920-426-6527
[email protected]
www.eaa.org/ultralights
devices:
Do these allowances permit us to operate under Part 103 if our planes won't meet the stall speed limit with the added weight? I keep reading articles about U/Ls that claim to be legal because they meet the weight allowance. But it is obvious they don't have enough wing area to meet the stall speed requirement at that weight.
I don't expect magazine editors to question manufacturers' specifications that are obviously exagerated. But potential buyers should be aware that stall speeds are increased with added weight... and the FAA knows it. It seems that people plan to continue to try to fly under the radar with "fat" U/Ls.
The EAA replied with the answer I expected:
Mark,
Thank you for the e-mail. The additional weight for floats (and other safety devices) does not allow any additional stall speed. Each ultralight operator must be able to demonstrate compliance with the ultralight requirements at the time of each flight. It is an individuals responsibility to comply with the regulations and the FAA's responsibility to enforce the regulations.
Your point about stall speeds increasing with additional weight is an excellent one!
Timm Bogenhagen
EAA Aviation Services
Ultralight Programs Manager
920-426-6527
[email protected]
www.eaa.org/ultralights
