I just wanted to update anyone that is thinking about building a Lightning with a P-180 concerning the balance. The final balance required with the smoke system and all of the batteries mounted on the plates in the nose (as can be seen in my previous post) required exactly 18 oz of lead in the nose to balance. In addition a full length Blue Box pilot was installed before checking the final C.G. using the method described in the manual.

You should also be aware that if you are planning on installing the cockpit it is not possible to use the extra kevlar tank mounted to the top of the plate because it hits the bottom of the cockpit deck. The kevlar tank must be mounted under the plate as described in the instruction manual to allow the 1.7 liters of fuel (if I remember correctly) instead of the 2.1 capacity. Gary