Thorp Air Command - T18.net

What is the gross weight of a T-18? I have seen a range from 1412 to 1700 lbs and some in between!

It seems that most are around 1600 lbs so what's up with the 1412 GW? I believe that particular T-18 was finished in 1972.

Go to the main page of the forum and look up the T-18/RV data... The lower gross weight will all begin with a lower empty weight. Some folks strip the A/C down to the bare bones as far as equipment, paint, interiors, engine size, etc. to keep the weight down. My S-18 has an empty weight of 1069lbs, which I believe is average for the S-18. I have a BIG engine, paint, auto pilot and a lush interior. I think Fat Cat had a gross weight of 1900 pounds ? Correct me if I am wrong on that number. Every A/C will have a slightly different set of numbers.

RB
NX115RX

Gross weight is based on the designer's calculations of the structure. John Thorp designed the T-18 based on an aerobatic gross weight of 1250# at +6gs. The FAA (Part 23) allows small airplanes to operate in more than one category if the limits of that category are observed. For the T-18, the aerobatic gross weight is 1250#. If you chose to operate it in the Normal Category, you can go up to 1973# (simple math). I operate my T-18 for cross country flight as a Normal Category plane and use 1800# as my max gross weight. I use the Utility Category for general weekend flying and can use 1700# gross. With an empty weight of 1020#, I get 680# useful load. That is: 174# for full fuel leaving 506# for folks and their junk.

More than you may have asked, but load limits are an essential part of safely flying any airplane. See also the many previous posts on coupled loading and the discussion on the load limits for the S-18.

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Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL