Gross Weight Increase

[jdlowrey]

Thought I would ask a question about gross weight increase. I am currently looking at purchasing a 1946 BC-12D that has undergone significant modifications under the Gilberti STC which include an O-200 engine, electrical system, extended baggage, and hydraulic brakes. The paperwork, which all appears to be in order, references a revised weight and balance which when I reviewed still lists the aircraft as 1200lbs gross weight. I was wondering, when upgrading an aircraft utlilizing this STC, is a gross weight increase automatic or is it at the discretion of the aircraft owner/pilot? I was under the impression, perhaps erroneously, that this STC allowed for a 1500lb gross. Thanks for any input or thoughts.

Jeff

[Guest]

Re: Gross Weight Increase

The STC allows for GW increase to 1280 for sure, that I recall, it may go higher to 1500 I can't recall that for sure.

The STC requires mods to be made for that to happen, wing fitting and bushing changes.

Perhaps they did not make those changes and therefore did not and could not increase the GW.

I/you would need to review the paperwork and inspect the a/c to know the answer.

Dave

[Guest]

Re: Gross Weight Increase

Gilberti STC was NOT for an O-200 it was for a c-85 so somthing is not right here.

Dave

[Guest]

Re: Gross Weight Increase

Sorry for so many posts! :-)

GW is not at discretion of owner pilot it would be approved by some IA in the aircraft records.

[astjp2]

Re: Gross Weight Increase

There was an STC to convert to a model 19 which allows an O-200. Tim

[N96337]

Re: Gross Weight Increase

The Gilberti STC allows for converting to the "equal" of a model 19, with a C-85. If this one has an 0-200, you better find some form of field approval in there somewhere. The gross weight can be increased to 1500 max, with the longer mount, spar bushings, strut fitting plates, extended baggage and battery relocation, along with the 2 wing tanks. The STC also allows you to convert to the equivelant of a BC12D-85 or BC12D-4-85, with a lower gross weight.
Your front page of the drawing sheet (which should be present in your paperwork) will spell all this out for you...ie, certain modifications required to convert to a certain equivelant.
John

[jdlowrey]

Re: Gross Weight Increase

Thanks for the reponses Dave,Tim, and John. I do recall the paperwork mentioning the F-19. I'll have to give it another closer read.

[N96337]

Re: Gross Weight Increase

JD, don't confuse the model 19 and the F-19..... not quite the same bird there....
John

[lfries]

Re: Gross Weight Increase

Probably not a bad idea to get the CD from the FAA to be sure all
337 modifications are on file.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Gross Weight Increase

Might be good idea to read my newsletter for the Foundation on history and the Gilberti/ Harer STC

http://vb.taylorcraft.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=2080&d=1173239843

scroll down to STC. any questions e-mail me direct [email protected]

[jdlowrey]

Re: Gross Weight Increase

Thanks for all the responses as they are, for me, quite educational. I will in the coming days again review the paperwork on this particular aircraft.

Recapping, the answer to my question then, assuming the conversion and paperwork is in order, this upgrade allows for an increase in gross weight but the IA performing the work does not necessarily have to conform to this. He could keep it at 1200 lb (which is apparently what was done in this case).

[Guest]

Re: Gross Weight Increase

No thats not entirely correct.

The GW issue can be as you said.

But the real issue is that the stc you mention does not allow the installation of an O-200.

That is the problem that you have. You must find some other paperwork for the O-200 because Harer/Gilberti does not cover that.

Do you see a copy of the STC with your A/C's serial number on it?

By law the owner must have that, check it out. If its not there that's a bad sign.

Dave

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Gross Weight Increase

Agreed the STC must be assigned to a particular ser# , I am in this discussion with NY ACO about the Harer STC's . let me know directly if there are any problems . [email protected]
Some may have slipped through the cracks.

[whake]

Re: Gross Weight Increase

It would be nice if the standard BC12d could be pushed up to 1260 the same as the float plane, that would put two adults in the plane with 12 gallons in the main tank. It would make the T-Craft more marketable in the light sport catagory. We need someone to go for the STC.

[astjp2]

Re: Gross Weight Increase

The only one fault that you have is that the floats provide lift, this offsets the additional weight of the floats and with the Gross weight increase to 1260, should give approximately the same useful. Tim