Metal Belly

Isaac · Post by **Isaac** » Sat Mar 20, 2010 2:49 pm

Does anyone know if there is an approved metal belly for maules?

Isaac

UP-M5 · Post by **UP-M5** » Sun Mar 21, 2010 12:29 am

i have seen a couple, but you are looking at a field approval.

mxt180 · Post by **mxt180** » Sun Mar 21, 2010 5:38 pm

I've got one. Approved by a DAR and signed off by the FAA. Four panels with great access. Made the annual easier, for sure. PM me and I can send you pictures.

210TC · Post by **210TC** » Mon Mar 22, 2010 8:16 pm

MXT180,
Would you post your pictures? Sure would like to SEE

mxt180 · Post by **mxt180** » Mon Mar 22, 2010 8:51 pm

Give me until the weekend and I'll post some pix.

Hottshot · Post by **Hottshot** » Mon Mar 22, 2010 9:21 pm

Had one Pulled it off, to rattley and drafty.

aero101 · Post by **aero101** » Tue Mar 23, 2010 9:50 am

Adds weight too

mxt180 · Post by **mxt180** » Tue Mar 23, 2010 12:27 pm

Drafty, yes. Rattling? I don't sense that. If I have a chance I'll take them off and weigh them. It would be interesting to see just what it is. There was a modification to the underbelly that might have offset any weight gain, though. I'll share what I find out.

a64pilot · Post by **a64pilot** » Tue Mar 23, 2010 3:05 pm

I'll bet less than 5 lbs., but it is weight and it adds up.

aero101 · Post by **aero101** » Tue Mar 23, 2010 3:54 pm

There's also more weight then just the panels, numerous welded on tabs to attach, screws, etc... Depending on thickness of panels as to weight added, and like you say, "It does add up".... Full panels from front to back at least 10lbs, probably more like 15. Fabric basically paint & dope weight only.

a64pilot · Post by **a64pilot** » Tue Mar 23, 2010 5:37 pm

The one I saw was only the back half. I was under the impression it was only the part that was most likely to be damaged landing in cactus and such.

mxt180 · Post by **mxt180** » Tue Mar 23, 2010 8:06 pm

Drafts, rattling, weight??? Want to shed 5# of weight? Get rid of the love handles.

Pictures and hard data coming this weekend.

mxt180 · Post by **mxt180** » Tue Mar 23, 2010 8:30 pm

BTW - shedding weight from your waistline doesn't require field approval, an STC or any paperwork from the FAA. Nor does the noise abatement resulting from the supression of uninformed speculation. Facts are forthcoming this weekend...

Hottshot · Post by **Hottshot** » Tue Mar 23, 2010 9:32 pm

If memory is up to par I think it was about the 7 pound range lighter with out the metal and yes drafty and rattly after you take it on and off and it gets a little deformed here and there and loosens up it will get that way, yes access was great but you will find there is trade offs.... if you like it Great! We thought the same until the issues came about so it got pulled and fabric found the belly once again.

Enjoy!

I am sorry, I will take the 2000+ hrs of.. how was it that you put it

uninformed speculation

and not hinder the the forth comin' facts...

a64pilot · Post by **a64pilot** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 8:39 am

I only wish I needed to shed 5 lbs. Truth is more like 50 lbs.

Metal Belly

Metal Belly

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