Hi Chris
Bob Skinner is the F3A sub-committee chair, so this only applies to FAI. Not sure how the AMA would interpret the rule for the rest of the classes. For the Canadian classes we weigh without batteries (except FAI obviously), and have no voltage limit so its really not an issue here. You can have a fuel tank at the Worlds lets say, but since its not providing a propulsion source (the spirit of the rule!), then it would need to be full when weighing an electric plane. Its not clearly defined so it depends on who and how the rule is interpreted!
Up to 5kg's, you can do as you please
However instead of filling up the extra weight with dead weight why not carry more capacity?...other than cost.
ORIGINAL: patternflyer1
Top 20, well, maybe in Masters. But yes, I believe there is too light. (I am thinking this right now with my Abbra. )
Too light in the wind that is. With no wind its great.
With lightness comes losing strength in the plane.
I would rather weigh 12 lbs with a bigger bodied plane in the wind, 10 lb without the wind.
Chad, (don't take this wrong, I'm just asking as I don't know) obviously I'm not a regular at the nats as I can't really afford to go, so explain to me who Skinner is and where in the rules it states that you can't have a fuel tank in a pattern ship. Maybe in Fai they have a rule, not sure. Not sure about ama classes either.
As for putting a fuel tank in my electric, I can do it regardless if it doesn't weigh more than 5000g right?? What's the difference.. If I want to put a block of cheese in my plane, I can. As long as it is under weight, right?? They can't limit if I have a fuel tank in my silly little opinion..
It seems unfair that a glow plane can put as big of a tank in as they want to penetrate better. I know people running too large a tank on purpose. Maybe they should limit the fuel tank size also. Or at least how much fuel you can weigh with.
I think there the rulebook needs to be rewritten for glow and electric.
Lots of changes have happened in the last few years and they need to realize that and make some changes.
I know of a few folks local who would fly pattern, but their planes won't make weight. So they don't bother.
It's a shame for our sport.
Either way, new rules, old rules, my plane makes weight so at this point, it doesn't matter. But I would like my plane to be heavier.
Good luck to all at the nats!! Wish I was going..
Chris