Every aircraft has a "maximum gross weight." It
is the total allowable weight of the empty aircraft
plus everything else that is put on board, including
passengers. For a Schweizer 2-33, it is 1040
pounds. Most 2-33's weighed a little over 600
lbs. when built, but of course the total weight
depended on what optional equipment was installed.
Also, most aircraft gain weight as they age;
they get new paint jobs, additional equipment
is installed, and they collect dirt that adds
a few pounds. In addition to the gross weight
limits, the location of the load must fall within
the center of gravity limits. For these reasons
every aircraft has it's own individual weight
and balance limits. If any equipment is added
or deleted, a qualified mechanic must perform
new weight and balance calculations or reweigh
the aircraft and then enter this information
in the aircraft log book and revise the weight
and balance placards in the cockpit. The FAR's
require that current weight and balance information
be aboard all aircraft. Some have the weight
and balance in the Pilot's Operating Handbook
but most gliders have this information on placards.
The placards in Schweizer 2 -33's require a
little explanation. There are two placards in
all of the club ships. One includes speed limitations,
the other just weight and balance information
with "SAC BALLAST IN." This obviously means with
the Schweizer Aircraft Corporation ballast weight
in the SAC housing between the rudder pedals.
The weight itself is only about 19 lbs. but since
it is placed well in front of the seat it is
the equivalent of about 34 lbs. in the front
seat. The top line of the main placard in N36135
reads as follows:
MAX WT AFT PLT / 220 LBS FWD 191 LBS.
The easy way to read these placards is to substitute "with" for
the "/" and put "is" in front of the last weight
that is stamped on the line. It would thus be
read: "Maximum weight of the aft pilot with 220
pounds in the front seat is 191 pounds." Line
2 reads:
MIN WT AFT PLT / 100 LBS FWD 88
This would be read: "Minimum weight of the
aft pilot with 100 pounds in the front seat is
88 pounds." Line 3 which needs no explanation
reads:
MIN WT FWD PLT SOLO 124
The placards for use with the SAC ballast in
are read in exactly the same manner. It is obvious
that these numbers require some interpolation
for people of other weights. The 2-33 flight
manual has a weight and balance graph with which
all 2-33 pilots should become familiar. It would
be wise to memorize the limits for your particular
weight.
