All... I have purchased a 415C to replace/rebuild my recently damaged 415D. I appreciate everyones support to have made this happen. I used Ed's very complete pre-buy checklist and the plane has "good bones". While it still needs modifications for my disability and some "TLC", it's going to get me flying in a few months...
The insurance company was kind enough to let me take most of my hand controls and equipment for my disability out of the 415D. I'm negotiating for the rest of the plane salvage, as there are MANY new pieces that would be very useful. If I cannot make a "deal", I'll just upgrade and work on the 415C, as resources permit. However, if a do get the "D" back, I have few questions: 1. Can the new 0-200 in the"D" be installed on a "C"? 2. I hope this isn't to dumb, but as the airframes are the same, etc, why is this "C" be limited to 1260 lb, but my old "D" is rated at 1400 lb, besides the obvious, "the rules say so". What physically or mechanically limits the GW limits on these two identical airframes? I.e, while illegal, does the "C" fly bad at 1400 lb? 3. I read in an earlier post discussing the split tail, that the "landing speeds" were different between the "C" and "D". Again, what physically or mechanically affects the landing speeds on these two identical airframes? By the way, the FAA and NTSB have finished their investigation on the accident and tell me "preliminarily" that the pilot "must have" knocked the fuel cutoff with his knee" off center slightly. I'm quite skeptical and they based their conclusion on: 1. The selector had no "positive" detents". (Couldn't tell you as I never have turned it off!) 2. I was in the off position when found. (It's because the pilot turned it off after the incident, as he smelled gas!) 3. The plane started up after the crash for the investigators; 4. They could not find any other problem; and my favorite... 5. When they turned the selector off center, the engine acted "just like the pilot reported". Oh well....I guess it could have happened, but I don't see the "smoking gun"... Kim Blackseth 310 17th St Oakland, CA 94612 [email protected]
