Rocket CG forward

[rtdl]

Hi there, I enjoy flying my Rocket for 2 years now, but I'm concerned about the CG location too much forward (TSIO-520-NB heavyer than original TSIO-360). From the M20K (231) POH, fixed ballast may be added to move the CG aft. 6,13 & 19 lbs are available, my bird already wears 19 lbs. Is it legal to add up more weight? Rocket flyers what is your opinion? Not a lot Rockets flying around in Europe, the french Mooney center didn't see anyone before mine, so... feeling alone :=)

[aviatoreb]

Huh - I never knew there was a fixed ballast location.  Where does it go?

 

The rocket CG is on the forward end of the original M20K envelope but still within the original envelope.  So that is not a problem specifically.  As I am 210lbs (at 6'4'') I do need to pay a little bit of attention to whom I fly with - I have a friend at work who is 6'6'' and 280...who has asked to fly with me and whom I have always made up excuses....since he would need to sit in the back seat, but besides him, everyone else I know works fine.

 

I do have a bag of 40lb sand bags that I put in the luggage back when I feel like I will be more forward, but really I cannot feel the difference either way, so I mostly stopped bothering to use it.

 

The main thing to worry about the forward CG in my opinion is upon landing to keep weight off the nose - just hold it off and try to ride the mains upon landing by progressively pulling back the yoke and pulling back and pulling back as you are flaring.  Other than that - which all mooneys should do but even more so in a rocket, it flies quite easily and nicely in my experience.

 

So really I wouldn't worry about it if you are not having any problems - and if your specific CG is within the original envelope of the original M20K as is mine.

[KSMooniac]

You might see if MT has a lighter weight prop that would work for the TSIO-520.  I know there isn't already an existing STC for a different prop, but perhaps over in Europe you might be able to do a swap with a German prop and EASA approval, especially if one already exists for that engine.  The MT will be DRAMATICALLY lighter than what you have now, and move the CG aft.  It might even allow you to remove the "charlie" weight in the tail as well.

[David Mazer]

Not sure about Europe but it wouldn't be legal to swap the prop in the US.  I looked into that some time ago and the Rocket STC is specific about the prop.  The Rocket is a little CG forward due the engine, for sure.  The second battery is so far back just for that reason.  I don't ever have much problem either but then I'm usually carrying 40 lbs in the baggage are for my Arctic Air.

[KSMooniac]

It is a good opportunity IMO for someone to try to get a composite prop on a Rocket... one could save ~20 lbs on the nose and eliminate the charlie weights in the tail.  The biggest hurdle IMO would figuring out if a full-feathering prop would be needed, or if a conventional one could be substituted.  The composite props are not susceptible to the vibration/harmonic issues like metal props can be, and from that standpoint it should be relatively straightforward.  

[aviatoreb]

Not sure about Europe but it wouldn't be legal to swap the prop in the US.  I looked into that some time ago and the Rocket STC is specific about the prop.  The Rocket is a little CG forward due the engine, for sure.  The second battery is so far back just for that reason.  I don't ever have much problem either but then I'm usually carrying 40 lbs in the baggage are for my Arctic Air.

 

So your 40lb arctic cooler is like my 40lb bag of sand in the baggage.  But like I said, after a year or so, I just took it out once to make weight and balance with several passengers and I never put it back.  She flies nice and easy, and within the original envelope, and I am used to the touch pressures it takes to maneuver her nicely as I wish.

[rtdl]

Thanks for replying. MT prop would be an option, but as David said, the Rocket STC is about the present propeller only, and I want to stay on the N reg, so forget the EASA opinion... She was weighted at last annual and the CG is forward the original envelope, but easy to fly and land anyway, but trimmed very aft. The 40lbs sandbag option in the bagage area seems less as required, so I'am expecting to add a few weight in the tail, so I am wondering if overweight the present 19lbs fixed ballast (charlie weight as you said) is legal?

Otherwise, I am looking for any information about N1149G, which as fly across the atlantic from USA to England on DEC 2010, where I bought it. She was in California, Utah, Virginia before coming here. Any previous owner on this forum?