27
O
WNER
’
S
F
LIGHT
M
ANUAL
26
XL
Weight and Balance
You must have completed the last chapter (“Final Assembly
Section”) of the Builder’s Construction Manual prior to perform-
ing the lofting and weight & balance (“w&b”) on your newly con-
structed Velocity. This is a critical procedure! An aircraft which is
operated out of its CG envelope is an accident waiting to happen.
So enlist some capable help, procure proper scales (you can rent
certified scales), and measuring equipment, and perform each of
the following procedures carefully (double check each step to be
safe).
Here is what you will need:
• 3 “certified” scales (1 at least 300#, 2 at least 650#)
• 50’ tape measure
• 12’ tape measure
• Plumb bob & stand
• Shims and chocks for the wheels
• Stepladder or stool
• Wing and canard incidence jigs
• Water level, or a good 6’-8’ level
Step 1 - Leveling the aircraft:
Locate a cement floor that is as flat and level as possible. The
aircraft must be level for the procedure, so you will use shims
under the wheels to help get it level.
Using your wing incidence jig, level the aircraft fore and aft to
0° wing angle. Next, check the canard incidence with the canard
jig. It should also be 0°.
Position a level on the rear of the upper fuel strake, just above
the main spar. The length of the level should run inboard to out-
board. Use it to level the aircraft from right to left. This area of
the strake is not exactly level, so use shims to average it out.
Now check the level against the canard, which should be level as
well.
Diagram OM-CL
DATUM
(Nose)
Nose Wheel Axle
Center Line
Nose Wheel
ARM
N97XL=31”
Main Gear Axle ARM
N97XL=144.6”
Your ARM =
Main Gear Axle
Center Line
Your ARM =
R. Main Gear Tire
a/c centerline
L. Main Gear Tire
Summary of Contents for XL RG
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