Model 5 Taildragger Forward C of G

[forfoxake]

Can anyone confirm the forward C of G limit on a Skystar Kitfox Model 5 taildragger (1400lbs)- 11" or 11.37" aft of datum?

[forfoxake]

Any takers?

[Rooster]

Hello My Scottish Heritage!

Here's mine with a heavy engine up front.

Reid

[PapuaPilot]

It depends if your wing sweep is straight or forward 1 degree. I have forward sweep on my model 5 Outback (1550 GW) and the forward CG is 9.96".

The sweep also affects the aft CG limit.

[jdmcbean]

Can anyone confirm the forward C of G limit on a Skystar Kitfox Model 5 taildragger (1400lbs)- 11" or 11.37" aft of datum?

Would suggest the Weight & Balance section in your builders manual. It will depend on wing sweep and gross weight (by serial number). If you do not have the builders manual, we can help with that.
It could be: 11.7, 12.8, 11.37 or 9.96.

[forfoxake]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I do not have access the build manual atm but all the aircraft paperwork suggests that the forward C of G limit is 11.37", apart from the permit to fly!

The permit states the range is 11.0 to 16.0" aft of datum with MAUW of 1400lbs (Rotax 912 ULS fitted).

However, I note from the aircraft log book that it was orginally built to allow operation up to 1550lbs and to take a Rotec R2800 engine so not sure if a forward sweep will have been incorporated. What is the easiest way to tell?

Also do not know the Kitfox serial number offhand but can check- if it is still on the little triangular metal plate behind the seats.

[Av8r3400]

For forward sweep, put your eye right up at the wing tip leading edge and look across to the other tip. You will see the sweep if it's there.

Putting a tight string from wing tip to wing tip will allow you to measure the sweep.