8.
Weight and Balance
8.1 So long as it is kept within the placarded operating limits, and no unapproved
modifications have been made since construction (including the alteration of
ballast), the Skyranger can be flown with any permitted fuel, pilot and
passenger weights without falling outside of its permitted CG limits. However,
pilots should be aware that stick forces and displacements will become lighter
with aft CG (typically a heavy crew and full fuel) and heavier with forward CG
(typically low fuel, light pilot only). Also at aft Cg, the hands off stability will
be reduced. The aircraft will have an increased tendency to lower damping in
Phugoid motion (hunting in speed and height when disturbed), which will be
most noticeable in turbulent conditions. Flying outside of the permitted CG
limits at either extreme is potentially dangerous and should not be attempted
in any circumstance.
8.2
CG Datum
The Skyranger CG datum is at the main wheel axles centreline.
Measurements are in metres and kg.
8.3
CG moment arms.
The moment arms of the seats, fuel tank(s) and other
items are shown in the Weight and CG report at Annex C.
8.4
Weighing.
The Skyranger will have been weighed when first built, and must
be re-weighed at intervals as laid down by the BMAA and CAA (typically every
5 years or when it is modified or repaired).
8.4.1 Weighing should be carried out by a BMAA 3-axis inspector or Technical Team
member. A copy of the W&CG report must be retained in this manual at
Annex C. Also at each weighing, details of the weighing must be entered in
the aircraft logbook. Full instructions on how to weigh a microlight aircraft are
contained in BMAA technical information leaflet TIL 012, and specifically for
the Skyranger in HADS HM4.
Skyranger Operators Manual, Issue 1, AL0, June 2002
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