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Thread: Correct pilot and passenger CG location.

  1. #1
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    Default Correct pilot and passenger CG location.

    Hi all, in my Kitfox 4 builder's manual, there is a weight and balance form for CG purposes. It lists the location of the pilot and passenger as being 16.3" from the datum. I just saw a Skystar Kitfox 4 Speedster and Classic pilot's handbook, and it shows the location as being 18.3". Which is correct? JImChuk

  2. #2

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    Default Re: Correct pilot and passenger CG location.

    Jim, I have a model 4 speedster and it is 16.3"

  3. #3
    Senior Member Delta Whisky's Avatar
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    Default Re: Correct pilot and passenger CG location.

    Jim - for what it is worth, I measured the pilot and passenger CG in my SS7 to be 16.7 inches vs the 18.3 inches the manual says it is. If you are weighing for the purpose of determining the empty CG, you might want to take the opportunity to find out what the pilot and passenger arm for your plane really is.

  4. #4
    Kahle76's Avatar
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    Default Re: Correct pilot and passenger CG location.

    We did the initial weight and balance after after the build using two different individuals that varied in weight. The arm was 16.3. Possible difference from the published arm might be the thickness of the stock Kitfox seat cushions.
    Mike Kahle
    Jackson, MO
    IV Classic 582
    RV-12is building

  5. #5
    Senior Member t j's Avatar
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    Default Re: Correct pilot and passenger CG location.

    Sit in the seat and measure the distance from the leading edge of the wing to your belly button.
    Tom Jones
    Classic 4 builder

  6. #6
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    Default Re: Correct pilot and passenger CG location.

    I've heard of the belly button measurement before also. Seems that in the last few yrs, mine has moved forward a bit.... :-() JImChuk

  7. #7
    Senior Member efwd's Avatar
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    Default Re: Correct pilot and passenger CG location.

    Who's belly button, Laurels or Hardys?
    Eddie Forward
    Flying
    SS7, 912iS, Garmin G3X

  8. #8
    Senior Member t j's Avatar
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    Default Re: Correct pilot and passenger CG location.

    Eaa Hints for home builders, Weight and balance:Arm Measurement https://www.eaa.org/Videos/Hints-for...2874081572001#
    Tom Jones
    Classic 4 builder

  9. #9
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    Default Re: Correct pilot and passenger CG location.

    I measured myself sitting in the Kitfox 4 today, and I was right at about 14 1/2" from my belly button to leading edge of wing. I just had the bare fiberglass seat in the plane, so the only way I could get it further back is to loose some weight around the middle. Just for reference, I'm about 215 lbs. and about 5' 9" currently. I can't see any way that 18.3" station could be right. If I was the standard sized FAA pilot of 170 lbs, and 5'9" tall, 16 1/2" would be real close. JImChuk

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