Jerry, I think there is a bit of a difference here between flying a 415C coupe at >1260lbs but < 1400lbs gross and diving at 150MPH (over the 144MPH Vdne). The 415C/D is certified at 1260 lbs gross with 14 degrees up elevator travel. The EXACT SAME airframe (415D) is certified at 1400 lbs gross at 9 1/5 degrees up elevator travel. The difference in elevator travel is to make sure the airplane cannot stall at the higher gross weight since the certification was for a stall proof airplane.
While I cannot recommend operating over legal gross it is not (IMHO) in the same league as flying beyond Vdne. For one thing, the airplane has been tested and certified at 1400lbs in some cases. I think the more important questions have to do with insurance and FAA sanction matters than the actual safety. Although based on my airplane's climb on a hot day at gross at sea level one would be a fool to take off from Denver in mid summer in a 415C at 1400lbs. David Abrams [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://ercoupe.com -----Original Message----- From: Jerry Eichenberger [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, January 13, 1999 1:27 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: 415C to D model change All - Is there anyone else who is concerned about the sense of those who would use "ha ha" to refer to operations over gross, or otherwise exceeding operational limits? I always find it interesting to see the comments of the shadetree engineers who thing they know more than the real ones, especially about operational limitations of a certification nature.
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