ORIGINAL: Steve Campbell
But the more I look into this, the more I wonder if this airplane (78" @ 1100 square inches) is really too small for a gasser. More correctly, is it too small for the extra weight involved?
I had my Taurus TS-42 in a DP Extra. I think it was 78" with about 1150 or so sq in. It flew great, but you will want to keep it light. Mine weighed 15lbs(with lightening mods) which by today's standards is a bit heavy for that size. If you can keep it closer to 14lbs it would work great.
ORIGINAL: Steve Campbell
an extra (redundant) rx battery and switch- which I think is a GREAT idea-
Redundant batteries in this size plane are absolutely unnecessary. It is a great idea, but I personally draw the line at 33% planes before adding dual batteries. I put them in my 30% Yak, but only for the first few flights, then I took one out. You're going to be adding 6 oz or so for the extra battery which is too much to add for the little bit of extra security on this size plane. How many planes have you had, or heard of, that had a switch or battery fail. I never have had it happen in 30+ years of flying. That's not to say it doesn't happen, but it is very low probability.
ORIGINAL: Steve Campbell
You would think that, after almost 20 years in this hobby, I would be able to make a decision like this rather easily...
But there is much to consider, as this is new ground for me.
Not at all. Like I said, I've been at this over 30 years and I just struggled with some of the same issues with the Yak. It just means you're thinking, and that's good.