Gross weight question?

[hammmike]

I am changing my 65 to a 85 per the lasher STC. What is the gross wt ? Is it 1220 or 1300 lbs? The way I read it it looks like you can have it either way.

[RRHaldeman]

Under the Lasher STC, you have an option to select one of two gross weights. If you retain the normal landing gear, the maximum gross weight is increased from 1200 to 1300 lbs. If "NO BOUNCE" gear is installed the maximum gross weight MAY BE (but is not required to be) increased to 1350 lbs. If you elect to increase the maximum gross weight to 1350 lbs., you must install on the instrument panel a placard (1-2929) reading "Intentional Spinning Prohibited when Baggage is Carried."

In my opinion, it would not be wise to increase the maximum gross weight to 1350 lbs, even if you have the "NO BOUNCE" gear installed because (a) the aircraft will no longer be eligible for the light sport category and (b) the aircraft will never be permitted to go back to light sport, even if you later remove the "NO BOUNCE" gear.

[hammmike]

I have the no-bounce gear and I definitely do not want to go 1350 lbs. I like the idea of 1300 lbs. that would help with two 200lb people and a little fuel.

[RRHaldeman]

Just make sure that you don't mention to "NO BOUNCE" gear in the Form 337 and that you specifically state that the maximum gross weight was increased to 1300 lbs under the STC. That way, the record is clear that you only raised the maximum gross weight to 1300 lbs. Make sure your A&P and IA record the max gross weight in the logbook and weight and balance on board as only 1300 lbs.