Gross Weight Stability Turbulence 
Flying Magazine
JUNE 18, 2025
The B36TC, with its 200-pound gross weight increase, can carry roughly 900 pounds in the cabin with the tanks full. Worth mentioning is that D’Shannon’s tip fuel tanks (40 additional gallons) bump the gross weight to 4010 pounds. D’Shannon’s tip fuel tanks increase the gross to 4,010. Learn more at www.d-shannon-aviation.com.
Plane and Pilot
MAY 3, 2025
To some extent this was carried out with the Cherokee, though the key design elementuse of a stabilator in place of a conventional elevator and fixed horizontal stabilizeris likely the influence of John Thorp. Thorp joined the Piper design team during the Cherokees development; his own Sky Scooter used a stabilator.
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Plane and Pilot
NOVEMBER 10, 2024
In order to be flown by a sport pilot, the resulting airplane must still meet the current regulations—1,320 pounds maximum gross weight, 120 knots max cruise speed, for example—but how it gets there is up to the builder. The ELSA is a different animal. The RV-12 is, of course, all metal. Modest wing loading—10.4
AV Web
JULY 1, 2025
Before anything else, these are single-engine, unpressurized two-seat lightweights with a max gross weight of 1320 pounds. Check that against the max gross of a Piper Malibu at roughly 4300 pounds, or a Beech A36 Bonanza at around 3650 pounds or a Cessna 150 at 1600 pounds gross. Same for gliders.
Airspeed Junkie
AUGUST 2, 2024
With a maximum takeoff weight of 2,400 pounds and a maximum gross weight that ensures stability, this aircraft is robust enough to handle a variety of flying conditions. The reliability of the Cessna 172 shines through in various flight conditions, including crosswinds and turbulence.
Plane and Pilot
NOVEMBER 10, 2024
In order to be flown by a sport pilot, the resulting airplane must still meet the current regulations—1,320 pounds maximum gross weight, 120 knots max cruise speed, for example—but how it gets there is up to the builder. The ELSA is a different animal. The RV-12 is, of course, all metal. Modest wing loading—10.4
Pilot Institute
MARCH 29, 2024
Higher altitudes are also less prone to turbulence and have fewer birds. This is often the clean configuration at max gross weight. Turbulent air will require a larger airspeed margin. Trim for level flight once you’re stabilized at your target speed. Pilots use reference stalling speeds instead.
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