Alex Beylin
10-28-2007, 07:50 PM
Trying to figure out if it is feasible to build a Katmai specifically for amphibious landing gear.
Mainstream amphib options for 182 appear to be Wipline 3000 or Aerocet 3400 (with a 3rd party mod). I can't find EDO amphibs that are STCed for a 182. Lets use Wipline 3000s for this discussion.
From the Wipline web site:
> STC Kit for Models 182 P, Q, R, and S include extensive airframe and
> firewall modifications including hoist rings, “V” brace, ventral fin, wide cord
> rudder, extended tail stinger and Hartzell three-blade seaplane/landplane
> prop.
Could this kit be installed, including all the needed modifications, as part of the initial Katmai construction project? I don't see why not, but I am not an A&P. Another concern is if the required Hartzell 3-blade prop would be compatible with Todd's STC.
Another concern is W&B. Exchange weight of the amphib gear (amphib gear weight - land gear weight) is listed as 455 lb. I can't find any examples of empty weight for a Katmai or a 260se on this web site, but assuming around 1100 useful weight on wheels, that would reduce it to 645 lb on amphibs. Two FAA adults so that leaves room for max of 50 gal of fuel. Take out the back seat (around 6o lb, as far as I recall) and one could have a nicely performing 2-seater, with 3+ hrs endurance and room to spare for 2x 30 lb bags or a mid-size family dog.
Am I over-simplifying this or not considering something major? Please comment.
Mainstream amphib options for 182 appear to be Wipline 3000 or Aerocet 3400 (with a 3rd party mod). I can't find EDO amphibs that are STCed for a 182. Lets use Wipline 3000s for this discussion.
From the Wipline web site:
> STC Kit for Models 182 P, Q, R, and S include extensive airframe and
> firewall modifications including hoist rings, “V” brace, ventral fin, wide cord
> rudder, extended tail stinger and Hartzell three-blade seaplane/landplane
> prop.
Could this kit be installed, including all the needed modifications, as part of the initial Katmai construction project? I don't see why not, but I am not an A&P. Another concern is if the required Hartzell 3-blade prop would be compatible with Todd's STC.
Another concern is W&B. Exchange weight of the amphib gear (amphib gear weight - land gear weight) is listed as 455 lb. I can't find any examples of empty weight for a Katmai or a 260se on this web site, but assuming around 1100 useful weight on wheels, that would reduce it to 645 lb on amphibs. Two FAA adults so that leaves room for max of 50 gal of fuel. Take out the back seat (around 6o lb, as far as I recall) and one could have a nicely performing 2-seater, with 3+ hrs endurance and room to spare for 2x 30 lb bags or a mid-size family dog.
Am I over-simplifying this or not considering something major? Please comment.