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  • Re: Minimum seat weight

    From Charlie M. (UH, Pi & 002 owner/pilo@21:1/5 to All on Mon Jun 12 19:33:07 2023
    On Monday, June 12, 2023 at 10:26:19 PM UTC-4, jp wrote:
    Is it thought that the 154 lbs minimum front seat weight specified for many sailplanes is for solo flight or is it a requirement even if a two place sailplane is also carrying a person in the back seat? Does this 154 lbs requirement override a
    calculated weight&balance result that might indicate a safe CG with less than 154 lbs in the front seat?
    Typically, the rear seat is forward of the CG, thus any weight in the rear seat will lower the minimum front seat weight to remain within CG range.

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  • From jp@21:1/5 to All on Mon Jun 12 19:26:17 2023
    Is it thought that the 154 lbs minimum front seat weight specified for many sailplanes is for solo flight or is it a requirement even if a two place sailplane is also carrying a person in the back seat? Does this 154 lbs requirement override a
    calculated weight&balance result that might indicate a safe CG with less than 154 lbs in the front seat?

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    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Hank Nixon@21:1/5 to All on Tue Jun 13 05:11:03 2023
    On Monday, June 12, 2023 at 10:26:19 PM UTC-4, jp wrote:
    Is it thought that the 154 lbs minimum front seat weight specified for many sailplanes is for solo flight or is it a requirement even if a two place sailplane is also carrying a person in the back seat? Does this 154 lbs requirement override a
    calculated weight&balance result that might indicate a safe CG with less than 154 lbs in the front seat?

    The 70kg(154 lb) minimum is an accepted standard for gliders in an unballasted condition.
    Added mass in the rear seat can reduce the amount needed up front to stay within limits specified in the glider flight manual.
    For a definitive answer for any particular glider, refer to the flight manual. Nobody ever went wrong with having a little extra forward. Most gliders fly better that way, even at the expense of a little performance.
    UH

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