Large variance in useful loads?

[Mooney13]

I have been looking at a few different Ovations and they all have the same engine and similar equipment.  A couple have A/C, etc. that would add more weight. I have done the math based on the Planes with some "heavier" items (like the A/C).

Still on a couple there is a pretty substantial difference in useful load ... 130 pounds, 173 pounds as an example.

Where else would you look for this difference in weight?

Any ideas why there would be such a range in Useful Load between these essentially same airplanes?

Thanks as always for any ideas..

 

[gsengle]

I bet Ovations average around 950lbs useful load. TKS is another factor.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[carusoam]

O's are the coolest plane on or off the planet!

They come from the factory, fully loaded. 1000+ UL. (I think the OP left out a 0,  1,030 not 130)

1) Then the add-ons are...

- AC 

- O2 system

- FIKI 

Much of the hardware gets mounted in the tail.  Without the add-ons there are lead Charlie weights to maintain WnB.

 

2) get up to speed on the IO550 engine options for Long Bodies...

- 240hp in the Eagle.

- 280hp in the O1.

- 310hp in the O3, Screamin' eagle, and Standing Ovation.

The HP is important as the length of runway you will use.

 

Is that what you were asking?

Best regard,

-a-

Edited July 9, 2016 by carusoam

[Mooney13]

As an example..

Two ovations, both have same engine, same basic radios, gps, etc.

One has TKS and A/C. and the other does not.

I would expect this one should then have approx 106 pounds less useful, but actually has 175-ish less

I am wondering where to find that 75 pounds? (that's 12+ gallons of fuel!!

 

[Deb]

3 hours ago, Mooney13 said:

As an example..

Two ovations, both have same engine, same basic radios, gps, etc.

One has TKS and A/C. and the other does not.

I would expect this one should then have approx 106 pounds less useful, but actually has 175-ish less

I am wondering where to find that 75 pounds? (that's 12+ gallons of fuel!!

 

Early Ovations may have had 89 gals useful fuel standard, with 102 gals as an option. Later ones (Ovation 2) may have had 102 gals as standard. The Ultras are going back to 89 gals standard with 100 gals optional.

[carusoam]

The POH will have the official fuel tank capacity listed by serial number.

Having TKS and AC come at a cost.  Weight, drag and some maintenance nuisances.

In the end, you get to decide...  

Which is more important to you

1) Extra long flight legs or a cool cabin?

2) maximum speed or the ability to handle some known ice?

3) weekend flying with the family or business travel?

4) Long class D runways or shorter runways....

example of nuisance... Seasonal Filling or emptying FIKI tanks. Priming the system or avoiding the excess that drops on the hangar floor.

example of shorter runway... Lightly loaded, the 310hp O is off the ground before the halfway point of a 2k' runway.  Check the STC performance docs for details.

I went with high speed, minimum maintenance nuisances, and shorter runways. My usual flight was the same 200nm between the same two airports.

Best regards,

-a-

[Guest]

7 hours ago, Mooney13 said:

I have been looking at a few different Ovations and they all have the same engine and similar equipment.  A couple have A/C, etc. that would add more weight. I have done the math based on the Planes with some "heavier" items (like the A/C).

Still on a couple there is a pretty substantial difference in useful load ... 130 pounds, 173 pounds as an example.

Where else would you look for this difference in weight?

Any ideas why there would be such a range in Useful Load between these essentially same airplanes?

Thanks as always for any ideas..

 

If you find a plane that you are interested in, ask for a copy of the weight and balance report.  Many times they contain mathematical errors when there are equipment changes.

Clarence

[Godfather]

I would take a close look at your mission.  Planes are a compromise and I personally do not feel there is a good reason to add both TKS and AC.  If you live or regularly fly to an area that has known icing for multiple months of the year TKS is necessary.  If you encounter very little ice but your ramp is 120 degrees multiple days the AC is a good option.

Keep in mind the Tks fluid is very heavy and you don't always need to fly around with a full tank.  I drain it down to a gallon or two for the summer months.  Also the beauty of the 310 hp ovation is the ability to travel long distances quickly...to get off the ground with a lot of fuel and fly efficiently.  Gross weight is important but the ability to always take off on long flights at gross on hot days from most paved runways is true utility.  

[Mooney13]

Thanks for all the great responses..I appreciate them!