lightening holes

tshort · Post by **tshort** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 1:21 pm

I know that the -8 may be a little nose heavy with a 200hp engine out front ... has anyone drilled out the optional lightening holes in the VS rear spar doubler (VS808-pp, I think, plans not in front of me...)
I realize this is a small amount of weight, but way out back of the CG ... didn't know if I should just leave it there since I'm anticipating a 200hp engine.
Thomas

Reheat · Post by **Reheat** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 7:03 pm

Thomas, I didn't put in the lightening holes, since Van's gave us the option. Where you put that battery will make a lot more difference. I'm gonna be so light up front that I may need to put mine in the spinner! Anybody know of a bullet shaped battery with swivel connectors???

tshort · Post by **tshort** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 8:45 pm

What engine / prop are you using?

I only weigh about 145#, so I'll probably need as much weight in the back as possible regardless which engine I use.
I think I'll leave the extra aluminum in place...

Thomas

mustang · Post by **mustang** » Fri Feb 11, 2005 2:16 am

I drilled mine out and there was a bit of weight saved. Not that much, but any weight off the extremeties is good. Just put me in the backseat and you'll be good to go.

Cheers, Pete

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Fri Feb 11, 2005 6:45 am

FWIW, mine isn't an 8... and I understand the different Cee Gee's and all but...

I drilled mine out too. It is a good place to save weight on the -7's too, in my mind.

I got the scoop from Van's. The story is:

Once upon a time, a very savvy -4 builder did this "lightening hole thing" all over his plane. Everyone at Van's thought he was crazy and drilling unnecessary holes in his airplane. He would call from time to time asking if it was OK to drill this or that. The response that you have now come to know and love was offered, "Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt... but you are the builder. Wee don't recommend it".

The plane one day flew as arguably the lightest -4 to leave the face of the earth. Some of these holes found their way into our kits today. The VS holes are one set of them.

...and this is the way airplanes are made!

CJ

Reheat · Post by **Reheat** » Fri Feb 11, 2005 9:38 am

Ya might also check the 24 yrs of the RVAitor... I think there is an article on someone weighing all the lightening holes on his project.

0-360 w/ 3 blade Catto, BTW

728GD · Post by **728GD** » Fri Feb 11, 2005 12:06 pm

The six did not have lightening holes in the vertical, but I put a 360 whith a CS prop on it. I placed my ELT just in front of the vertical attach point, I just remove the fairing and have access to it. I also placed the battery about 1.5 feet ahead of the spar in the cabin. W&B came out great.

I would suggest you lighten up the airframe to acheive the weight you are trying to shoot for. Place the equipment to manage your CG.

Dale