Flyjohnny wrote: ↑Fri Sep 29, 2023 10:51 pm
1:1 Scale wrote: ↑Thu Sep 28, 2023 6:55 pm
Flyjohnny wrote: ↑Wed Sep 27, 2023 5:36 pm
I imagine that your Franklin will be a bit heavier than min IO-360 bringing the weight forward a bit. I also have very little avionics.
I know this wasn't directed at me, but from what I found in a quick google search, there isn't much difference in weight between the Franklin and IO-360. 297 lbs. for the Franklin, and 296-332 for the IO-360. That leaves some room for some accessories that that may not have been on the Franklin that were on the Conti, but I'd say their about equal.
I was hoping to get to 1200 lbs. on my build, without it being completely stripped, and remaining IFR capable. There might be a few lbs. left on the table, but there's no way there's an extra 100 lbs.
Yes I apologize, I also did some searching and noticed that the Franklin and IO-360 are pretty close in weight. I am used to comparing the Franklin to my old O-360 I had in my Stinson.
Just wondering where is you battery located?
I am not sure why everyone insists that I re-weigh my airplane, there is nothing to suggest that the scales were not certified and if anything I can guarantee that since the plane was last weighed last it would definitely be even lighter as I have removed more equipment and furnishings. The specs all show this plane coming out of the factory at less than 1300lbs. The whole reason I made this post wasn't to argue about how much the M4 weighs, it more in the line of how it flies with a rearward C of G. I am really trying to find out if other M4 drivers find that the plane gets quite pitch sensitive with an aft C of G. I know a few people that own Bearhawks that is closely designed after the M4 and although they are generally more nose heavy with the larger engines they put in, they are known to be pitch sensitive with aft C of G. Sorry if I misled people with my original post but in the end I am really trying to find out if these are normal flying characteristics for the M4. Also, yes I realize what an aft C of G generally does to the performance of a plane. Like I mentioned in my original post, I have have 33 years of flying experience commercially and over 18,000 hours on all types big and small. I just want to find out if this is something unusual to the M4 and if other owners have found anything that has made a noticeable improvement. ie battery re-postitoning.
I do really appreciate everyones help and input and do not want to discourage anyone from commenting. I am new to the Maule brand and am very keen to learn as much as I can about all the different models.
Thank you again and please keep the comments and suggestions coming.
I apologize for focusing on the empty weight, it's just that that's where I'm at right now. Just did my final weigh in yesterday, and came in at 1326 lbs. 632 on the left main, 616 on the right, and 82 on the tail. Enough interior to keep it "civilized", but I didn't put anything in that I didn't think was necessary. I also have the Airframes Alaska aluminum struts, which are a relatively new offering and save a claimed 9 lbs. So my personal experience, after chasing a 1200 lb. goal after seeing it mentioned on here, and using some lighter materials in some places, is that not all scales appear to be calibrated equally
![Wink :wink:](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
In fact, one of the four scales in the set I used read 10 lbs. lower than the other three when I stood on them individually. I didn't use that one. Maybe I should've so I could carry another 10 lbs....
My battery is located under the right front seat.
In regards to handling, also having owned a Stinson 108-1 prior to the Maule, is that my M4 was much more pitch sensitive than the Stinson. I can't say off the top of my head how far back I've had the CG, but even with just two up front, it felt like the elevator was "over balanced" aerodynamically. The Stinson had much better control harmony.
Also, there was a Maule document in my stack of paperwork that was used as an example of how to calculate the CG, and I mistakenly thought that it was the original W&B for my airplane from the factory. It had the empty weight at something like 1313 lbs. I found it after doing my initial weigh in, so imagine my shock and amazement that my plane had GAINED 13 or so pounds after my "weight loss" program and all the money I had spent on lightweight components and materials!
![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
I brought it up to Ty at the factory, and he helped me figure out what it actually was
![Embarassed :oops:](./images/smilies/icon_redface.gif)