Weight and balance

Group,
I'm ready to do a weight and balance. I already have oil in the engine, do I need to drain it to do the process?
Ed

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Permalink Reply by Jerry Latimer on September 21, 2012 at 7:26am

Ed,

I did my weight and balance with oil in the engine.  All fuel tanks were empty.

Jerry

Permalink Reply by Dr. Edward L. Olds III on September 21, 2012 at 11:22pm

Thanks, Jerry, that's my plan too!

Permalink Reply by John Austin on September 21, 2012 at 11:29am

Hi Ed! Sounds like you're getting close to first flight! I could be wrong, but theoretically, I think the empty wt. W&B does not include oil ... realistically, I don't think I've ever heard of anyone draining their engine oil for the W&B! My DAR glanced at the W&B, he definitely didn't ask if I drained the oil! LOL!

Permalink Reply by Dr. Edward L. Olds III on September 21, 2012 at 11:25pm

John, 

I'm leaving it in, the engine isn't much good without it!  Thanks for your help.

Ed

Permalink Reply by Chris Aysen on September 21, 2012 at 1:17pm

Put the oil because the oil is in a fixed position; always going to be there. This gives you a better idea on where your CG changers (battery, etc.) should be placed. Although the affect (of the oil) is minimal. Best of Luck and "Great" first flight.

Chris 

Permalink Reply by Dr. Edward L. Olds III on September 21, 2012 at 11:25pm

Chris,

I agree and will plan to keep the oil in the engine.  Seems like it should work.

Ed

Permalink Reply by Bob McDonald on September 21, 2012 at 2:27pm

Leave the oil in the engine, your not likely to be flying without it being there :>)

Good luck on the 1st flight...you must be pretty close.

Permalink Reply by Dr. Edward L. Olds III on September 21, 2012 at 11:26pm

Bob, 

I'm hoping to call the FAA on Monday!  Thanks for the advice.

Ed

Permalink Reply by Jim B Belcher on September 23, 2012 at 8:27am

Since the moment arm of the oil is known, and the weight of the oil is known, it should not matter if the oil is in the engine or not. You should be able to back the data out.

Permalink Reply by Dr. Edward L. Olds III on September 23, 2012 at 11:31pm

Thanks Jim, I left it in!

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