Flying the double eagle with a passenger -

[Sylvain]

Hi guys.
For those who flew the DE, did you fly it with a passenger?
What is your impression about it?
What HP engine?
What is the average real world empty weight of the DE?

My build is going well, should start the rotisserie in a couple of weeks.
I am now deciding how I will register it: Experimental (Can bring a PX) or Canadian basic ultralight (No PX except another pilot or student in a training flight)
The Experimental registering process is of course more complicated and about 2000$ CAD. Just wondering if it will be worth it and if the DE can practically handle 2 180 pounds persons.

Sylvain

[Sylvain]

Other question...
The plans says 900 pounds gross weight. However, the spar addition page shows a mandatory addition to get the 1000 pounds 4g rating.
Is the DE designed for 900 or 1000 pounds gross weight?

[Tom H]

DE Stubby, with 2180 VW engine, was built with many "extras", and is heavy, 564 lbs empty.  This is "real world" but probably not the norm.  If you resist adding anything extra, a typical DE will weigh closer to the plans weight, which I don't have available right now.

We registered this aircraft as experimental amateur built, and put the gross wt at 1100 lbs.  But, we have no experience flying it at this weight.

I flew our DE with test weights in the passenger seat.  We had about half fuel, 7 gallons (42 lbs), me (225 lbs) and gradually put in test weight until reaching 160 lbs.  Total about 427 lbs.  It flew like a dump truck, but it did fly.  Needed a long take-off roll.

A partner (180 lbs) took his daughter (140 lbs) up and it flew well.  Probably full fuel (84 lbs), total load 404 lbs.

So, based on this, if you build it light, it should fly a couple of 200 lb persons fairly well.

Hope that helps.

[karmarepair]

Leonard's advertised empty weight is 385 dry.