Flying Over Gross: Why is it dangerous?

In this episode of Coffee and a Hanger, we dive into the thrilling world of bush flying and the intricacies of aircraft weight and balance. Join us as our guest, Kirk Ellis, an experienced pilot, recounts a hair-raising tale of pushing a plane to its limits and the crucial lessons learned about gross weight and center of gravity (CG).
Key Topics Covered:
The importance of understanding gross weight and its impact on flight safety.
How turbulence and g-loading affect an overloaded aircraft.
Real-life examples of weight and balance issues leading to critical situations.
Detailed explanation of the Super Cub's rudder control and its behavior during slow flights and landings.
Story Highlights:
A young pilot's full-throttle takeoff and the unexpected consequences of torque in a turn.
The challenges of flying with an aft CG load and avoiding dangerous situations in-flight.
Insights into flying without a ball indicator and the value of "seat-of-the-pants" flying.
Don't miss out on this captivating discussion that blends personal anecdotes with valuable aviation insights.

[@libertine5606]

Fly it by the numbers! Chances are that if you are gross you are actually over gross. Did you count the weight of your IPad?, two quarts of oil in the back, seat covers? How about all the things added since the last ACTUAL weighing? You really don't know what the actual weight is so being conservative may be the difference.