It was brought to out attention that "when" ""you"" land a "monowheel" or "unconventional gear (tri-gear)" <<""HARD"">> chances are good the floor behind the firewall lip will buckle. After contemplating options, we decided on 1/8" balsa fill held in place with Aeropoxy Light and 2 BID on top. This will help in part to achieve our goal of 1375lbs "empty weight"! Trying to be serious (very hard) there are times adding weight to a Europa is not all that bad:
*Weight adds Horsepower
*Weight increases of CS Propeller allows max. take off HP and cruise load (feather)
*Weight associated with Glider Wings
*Weight added to obtain desired CG (aft especial on mono, creative use of weight even better than just a lump)
Then a few desirable reasons about weight:
*Save 40Lbs with monowheel instead of unconventional gear (tri-gear)
*Save back with proper Shoulder Harness attachment (additional weight)
Worthwhile (our opinion) addition of weight, service ability, function and ruggedness:
*Floor reinforcement mod (anti buckle)
*Tank foam and BID (anti crack)
*T-Bar guide
*Gasculator access box and hatch to allow servicing outside aeroplane
*Electric cooling fans
*Swingarm upstops
*Tie down for wings
Rotax reasons to add weight:
*Turbo, if not for anything else worth it for just the beautiful 309 Stainless new style total exhaust (more HP, quieter, smoother than higher compression larger displacement)
*Heavy Duty Starter
*Intercooler
*Oil Thermostat (MoCal)
*Slipper clutch with 30 degree dogs
*Vacuum pad drive with SD20S alternator (2.2lb aux battery)
