Posted by Dan Rihn on Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 08:19 PM:
What is the typical max pilot weight for an RF-4D?
I'm 6'1" and 220lbs
am I too tall or too heavy?
thanks,
Dan
Posted by jb92563 on Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 09:08 PM:
By the brochure:
Empty Weight 600lb (kg)
Gross Weight Aerobatic 804lb (365kg) = 180 lb pilot + 4 gals fuel
Gross Weight Utility 859lb (390kg) = 200 lbs pilot + 10 gals fuel
But in practice you have 230 lb pilots doing aerobatics (+6 -4) with 5 gal fuel since
the aircraft has better strength than generally quoted.
I'm 220 lbs and 5'11" and space, weight is not an issue in mine.
The wing spar has tested to 13G and still not failed.
I have never heard of a structural failure in flight.
If properly maintained its very strong and capable of much more than advertised based on everything I have read so far.
I'm sure some more seasoned RF4D owners will chime in as at least a few are over 200 lbs and over 6' tall.
Bob Grimstead and Collin Gyenes come to mind.
Are you looking into RF4D ownership?
I'm near you if you need to sit in it to check out the fit.
I have had mine for 3 months now.
[Edit by jb92563 on Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 09:15 PM]
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Posted by Dan Rihn on Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 09:51 PM:
thanks Ray.
I've been following your adventures and been meaning to get out to Elsinore and see your bird. I used to fly aerobatic contests with Sam Korth a million years ago.
I've been pretty busy lately but should have some free time after this weekend. Supposed to get the prop back on the DR-109 this weekend (overhaul time).
Our glider club has moved to Elsinore so I have two excuses to check it out.
Posted by Bob Grimstead on Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 09:56 PM:
Hi Guys,
I'm six foot and 185 pounds, but John Taylor of the Skyhawks is taller and heavier than me. So is Mathew -- around 210 I think.
However, despite originally advising against it, I have found that moving the rudder pedals an inch and a half forwards helps greatly, not only with leg length, but it allows a more reclined seating position, which of course helps me tolerate the G better. You do need improved lumbar support if you do this.
I hope you find it comfortable Dan.
Yours, Bob
Posted by Collin on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 @ 12:58 PM:
Hi,
I am only 200lbs (91kg), But almost 6'4" (190cm)
Collin
Posted by Jorgen on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 @ 05:41 PM:
Guys,
pull yourselves together- this is a Fournier site and Fourniers use the SI-system of standardization (Système International d’Unités)!
Consequently, I'm 92 kilogram and 1 meter 83 centimeter. And that's all I will confess to unless there is a lawyer present on the Forum!
May the 4's be with you/ Jörgen
Posted by eugenio on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 @ 11:55 AM:
Nearly all Fourniers fly overweight, I'm nearly 110 Kg and fly with full tank + extra tank + baggage. You should only remember that you have higher stalling speed. Rf4's with Limbach L1700 engine are much heavier due to extra accessories, and fly the same. If you have a look on RF5's, you will see that is even worst the situation, especially on some German ones, but the fly the same. Mr. Fournier was once asked to modify the takeoff weight, but he said that there was no problem to fly overweight and was much more difficult to change the certification data.
So.........Fly your Fournier and be happy.
Eugenio
Posted by Jorgen on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 @ 06:24 PM:
Va bene, Eugenio!
Sounds like René more or less referred to the old seaplane saying "-If it floats, it flies!"
And in the bush where floats are used, no one cares much about certiplication anyway....
I might ad that RF 5b SE-UDI was VERY docile in stall when flown single (in front). When soaring, I always had to have full back stick so it was a bit nose heavy and I think James reported the same thing. However I have a chance to add some weight in the rear now 
May the 4's be with you/ Jörgen
[Edit by Jorgen on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 @ 06:27 PM]
