No-Bounce Gear and LSA

[MikeB]

.I was just using 1335# as an example or above the 1320# limit. I should have used 1350# to eliminate the confusion, but sometimes I'm sitting on my brain when I type. Anyway, in reading over the posts it appears that common sense will not prevail or being able to go back to less than 1320# by any means if I'm reading the posts correctly and, as I said, it doesn't affect me as both of mine are 1220# at this point. It would be interesting though (just speculating) if in the near 'future' one should 'somehow' be allowed to revert back. That would probably open the flood gates for these aircraft that have been upgraded over the years. Stranger things have happened

Mike Berg

[Mikek]

. Anyway, in reading over the posts it appears that common sense will not prevail or being able to go back to less than 1320# by any means if I'm reading the posts correctly
Mike Berg

Mike,

You can go up and down has many times as you like just can not use it under the LSA rules once you go over the # limit.

mike k

[MikeB]

Here's an interesting one on another L16A a friend of mine is rebuilding (from the 337)

"In accordance with aircraft specification no -759 for Aeronca 7 series and Aeronca service letter no. 14 Dates 22 April 1949, the below listed modifications that were completed by military personnel prior to civilian certification qualify this aircraft for the higher gross weight listed for Model 7DC Aeronca 1350 #.

1. Installation of fuselage frame reinforcement tube assembly completed 4 June 1950 by Wisconsin Air National Guard.

2. Installation of long stroke oleo gear assembly competed 14 June 1950 by Wisconsin Air National Guard.

Note: These modifications do not meet the minimum requirements for "Conversions to 7DC Aeronca" and this aircraft will remain a7BCM with the exception of maximum weight. Weight and balance and loading as shown on the attached weight and balance sheet."

I'm assuming this will never meet the standards for light sport (1320# or less) but isn't it interesting how this 337 was written up? Not sure what you'd call it. It does have the big tail, 85-12 engine with full electrical and 13 gallon wing tanks and no nose tank. Also has a Citabria type dash, Piper muffler system and Citabria type rear windows with no greenhouse.
All documented on 337's.............fun, huh? I'd think it was a DC (??).

Mike Berg

[Mnflyer]

Hi Mike, you are right if the 377 shows the increased gross wt. of 1350 lbs then thats what it is as far as LSA. Can't be backed down to become a LSA. All the L16's had the no bounce gear installed unless they were surplus out before the installation, as it was a TRO (TO 01-145LAA-23 dated OCT. 17, 1949) to do so, as to why its not eligible to be a &DC maybe it has to due with note 5 of the TCDS.
TO 01-145LAA-24 dated Oct 17, 1949 is the installation of the firewall braces and permitted the military to up the Gross of the L-16A to 1300 lbs.
Interesting that the firewall brace kit cost the military $.29 and the Long stroke oleo cost was $38.00 per my L-16 manuals.

[MikeB]

Almost as interesting is the 'Piper type" muffler mounted behind the engine with a single stack coming down if I remember correctly.
All the modifications were done on 337's. Unsure of the date, but they (feds) must have been more leinient in those days. This L16 was your typical "found it in the garage during a estate sale". Apparently had been stored for many years. The basic logs were gone but were able to document everything from either the CD or a previous mechanic's records. The airframe was very clean although mice or something had chewed on a couple of spars . After we loaded up and hauled it home thinking we had everything, someone came up with a hidden box that contained new spars .

Mike

[Mikek]

Hi Mike, you are right if the 377 shows the increased gross wt. of 1350 lbs then thats what it is forever. Can't be backed down.

I say that you can go up and down with the weight by changing the Configuration thru stc's, tc or other means but it will never be able to be used as a LSA again.

Mike K

[Nathan K. Hammond]

Mike, my Champ had a Piper muffler on it at one time. I'd like to track down a photo of the setup.

nkh

[Mnflyer]

HI Mike you are right I was just thinking LSA but didn't day that