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Gross Weight

Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2023 12:28 am
by IP076
There’s a 170 listed on Anchorage Craigslist claiming to have a 2500 pound gross weight limit. Anyone know of an STC that does such an increase?

For reference, here’s the post: https://anchorage.craigslist.org/avo/d/ ... 26221.html

I’m just curious about the gross weight claim, do what you wish with the rest.

Re: Gross Weight

Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2023 1:04 am
by ghostflyer
The weight increase for any 170 model has been researched by many and that’s including me . I approached the FAA and put up many arguments why an increase in all up max weight could be done . The basic answer was a new type certification process would have to be done . The new certification process would have to be done for 2 aircraft of 170 heritage . No.1 it would have be done with a Continental engined aircraft and the other no.2 for the Lycoming powered aircraft . Firstly It wasn’t about whether the aircraft design could take the increase but all the legal mango gumbo. [due to different models of 170,s] Then it was all the testing that had to be done . For some reasoning the FAA wasn’t interested in helping . Their response or advice was “ Buying a new Cessna 172 would be be cheaper or go experimental.”

Re: Gross Weight

Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2023 1:26 am
by Ryan Smith
Probably the same math that says that’s a $100K+ panel.

Re: Gross Weight

Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2023 1:43 am
by Bruce Fenstermacher
I don't recall ever hearing of any gross weight increase STC or otherwise.

Re: Gross Weight

Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2023 2:15 am
by falco
2500# GW? ...rumors and fairy tales about an imminent pending gross weight increase for the 170 have been around for a long time...

BTW, I'm selling a very nice little bridge...

Re: Gross Weight

Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2023 7:02 am
by ghostflyer
That bridge ? is it the Golden Gate ?? Is it very well used ?

Re: Gross Weight

Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2023 12:31 pm
by n2582d
Tom Anderson has the same plane for sale on Barnstormers. No mention of gross weight increase on that advertisement though.

Re: Gross Weight

Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2023 12:33 pm
by GAHorn
It’s that bridge to Hawaii…. just as soon as someone understands their wife…

Re: Gross Weight

Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2023 12:40 pm
by cessnut
It says it is scheduled for a 2500 gross weight. Not sure what that means. I believe this airplane has been advertised for sale by Thomas Anderson of XP Mods/TLGW. Perhaps he is developing an STC? My airplanes are scheduled for lots of awesome mods in my mind. Not sure if they will ever happen:)

Re: Gross Weight

Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2023 2:40 pm
by voorheesh
Is it possible this airplane might have an FAA authorization or STC limited to operations in the state of Alaska?

Re: Gross Weight

Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2023 4:12 pm
by Bruce Fenstermacher
voorheesh wrote:Is it possible this airplane might have an FAA authorization or STC limited to operations in the state of Alaska?
Have you ever seen a Standard Category aircraft who's area of operation was restricted? I don't think the FAA has a method ie regulation to do that. Experimental Category yes.

Re: Gross Weight

Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2023 5:35 pm
by cessnut
Bruce, I believe Voorheesh is referencing 91.323.

Re: Gross Weight

Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2023 9:09 pm
by voorheesh
cessnut wrote:Bruce, I believe Voorheesh is referencing 91.323.
That regulation (involving air carrier and official/government ops) and a few STCs or 337s I ran into that specifically limited operations to within the state of AK. Those involved external load mechanisms installed on fixed wing aircraft, as I recall.

Re: Gross Weight

Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2023 1:05 am
by Bruce Fenstermacher
cessnut wrote:Bruce, I believe Voorheesh is referencing 91.323.
Interesting but 91.323 could not be used with a 170 because it was certified under CAR 3.
  • § 91.323 Increased maximum certificated weights for certain airplanes operated in Alaska.

    (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Federal Aviation Regulations, the Administrator will approve, as provided in this section, an increase in the maximum certificated weight of an airplane type certificated under Aeronautics Bulletin No. 7–A of the U.S. Department of Commerce dated January 1, 1931, as amended, or under the normal category of part 4a of the former Civil Air Regulations (14 CFR part 4a, 1964 ed.) if that airplane is operated in the State of Alaska by—

Re: Gross Weight

Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2023 2:48 pm
by IA DPE
Perhaps the seller means that he has routinely loaded the aircraft at 2,500 lbs. 8O :lol: