7GCBC Weights

[Jim Newman]

Hi folks,
I have a newly acquired 7GCBC 1969 which is great except that on re-weighing it comes in at 1241 lbs, way over the factory basic empty weight by about 70 lbs. I also have a big problem getting the C of G back into the correct range (at least it's forward and not rear!!). At 6ft 2ins and 230 lbs I'm struggling to stay legal ;>)
Can anyone tell me what average sort of empty weight to expect?
Thanks, Jim

 

[Bob Turner]

I can tell you that early Cubs and Champs often gain 100 lbs when weighed. The secret is to stay away from scales, and simply compute the new w/b. Or be happy with a single seat aircraft with very low resale value.

I have often seen incorrect math when doing the balance. Go over the computations with emphasis on where the weighing points were with respect to datum. Don't assume the mechanic did it correctly.

 

[Jim Newman]

Thanks Bob, the manufacturer empty eight seems the same for all of those early models although the GCBC has flaps and the associated operating gear. But that still would't account for that much weight!
I'll go over the weight schedule again and check.

 

[darrell whitley]

I just got home and looked my empty weight up. Mine is a 2001 Citabria, it was computed in 2019 at 1,268.07. With a gross weight of 1,800.. Gives me #316 of load with full fuel..

 

[Bob Turner]

The PA-18 seems to be like that. They all rolled out at 1070# or so - each one identical to the next. That may make you skeptical, but it is a legal document. You can then legally add/subtract mathematically - there is simply no rule that says you have to weigh the aircraft now and then.

One not so savvy Super Cub guy put a note on all of his 337s: Aircraft to be weighed at assembly. They weighed it, and came up with 400# useful load. That is one pilot and half fuel. No way to cure it, since 337s go to OKC records.

My opinion - if you are going to weigh it, keep notes referring to the use of scales out of the logbook and off of the 337s.