I had my "pig" out today.. .it does fly very well and you don't really feel the weight. Man that DA50 is a strong engine...
My description of this plane as a tail heavy pig was probably a little harsh!

If yours comes out to 17.5 I probably would not sweat it.. do what Maudib suggests.. I would have to tear mine apart so Im going to keep as is. I am sure you could shave 8oz easy.

The only area I notice the weight is harriers.. I get wing rock, but other than that... it is pretty rock solid. Slow flight is a lot better now that I have found the CG sweet spot.

I put the light foam wheels back on.. total flying weight less fuel (measured with my 3 point super-accurate scale) 17 pounds 5 ounces. The wheels do make a diff.

CG is at 5.45 inches from LE at the fuse, which translates to about 34% MAC.. .pretty agressive, but all the elevator hunting and wing drops are GONE which is what I was trying to achieve.


Did some agressive stuf today... I LIKE IT!!

3 landings and the stock wheels still look like new.. maybe they are different than the "other"ones out there....

I do notice they flat spot when they sit... but it does not effect ground handling..

DP