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Pilot’s Operating Handbook DFE Ultralights Ascender III-C
SECTION V
WEIGHT AND BALANCE
GENERAL
The pilot must insure that the aircraft is loaded properly and within the weight and balance
limitations. All flight performance, procedures and characteristics are based on this prerequisite.
All measurements are aft of the datum line, which is the canard boom tube leading edge
The actual empty weight and center of gravity (C of G) of the specific aircraft can be found on
the Weight and Balance Form. All additional changes to the aircraft's empty weight and C of G
after the time of construction must also be entered in the Weight and Balance Form. From this
information and the following instructions, the pilot can easily determine the “Useful Load” and
proper loading distribution for the aircraft.
The DFE Ascender cruise speed will depend on the C of G. Flight testing has shown that the C of
G versus cruise speeds are as given below.
FLIGHT ENVELOPE
Maximum gross weight 750 lbs
C of G range Maximum Rearward 98.0 inches Maximum Forward 95.6 inches
Cruise Speed
C of G
35 MPH
98.0 inches
40 MPH
97.6 inches
45 MPH
97.0 inches
50 MPH
96.3 inches
55 MPH
95.6 inches