Can an engine be mounted in the 9 o'clock position in a 40 size Supersportster? Wiil weight be transfered to that side? If so, will the weight shift need to be compensated for in the opposite wing tip? Any input would be appriciated. Thanks Joe

the weight is on the center line of the plane so it will not know the difference. you will be fine......

Some people laterally balance their planes to compensate for this but I rarely bother. I'm just a sport flyer.

Interesting idea. Both my SS's had the engine upright but a side mount would look really clean. I always like to mock the plane up with the engine and all the other components before covering anyhow so if there was a balance issue (likely very slight) you could take care of it before the covering goes on.

I mount engines depending upon the cowl and or exhaust exits. On my favorite sport flier, Sig SSE I origionaly had the engine upright and all of the fuel residue would enter around the removable canopy. This winter I cut the nose off and mounted the motor on its side and now the exhaust from the muffler will exit out the bottom of the plane, a lot cleaner for the wing joint and canopy.

The distance from center that the weight is displaced is so small it has little effect, if any in some cases. Mount the motor in any position that favors the airframe/engine combination and always ballance the airplane lateraly.

Blue Skies

The side mount may change the lateral balance some, but don't let that deter you from side mounting. You will likely have more of a weight difference from other things, like heavy wood or more glue on one wing. I always laterally balance my planes. Even if you are only a sport pilot, a plane that is not laterally balanced can give inconsistant performance. Especially in a loop, it will tend to pull to the heavy wing side.

If the engine is side mounted and the head is on the right side, I try to mount throttle servo, pump, regulator etc. on the opposite side of the firewall or in the fuselage. Not that it makes any big difference, I just don't want to add any more weight than needed when balancing the plane latterly.