Pa-12 increased gross weight questions.

[ChickenCub]

Looking at different stc options for increased gross weight on a PA12. Wondering what suggestions you guys have. And experiences?

I heard the leading edge wing skin needs to wrap around from the spar on top to the bottom? And there are some supports needed to be added the back half on the fuselage? Stringers changed?

 

[PIPER J5.5]

Charlie center at crosswinds. It's a lot of welding but it's worth it if you have an O-320

I would definetly do it again

 

[MT12]

There are only two stc's out there that I am aware of and they are the same . done by Charlie and borer and they each filed the paper work. One small brace behind the door post on each side and then the fuselage tubes. I figured it was worth it so I did it on the project I a building up. Figured it's a no brainer with 23 gallon tanks and float fittings That's all I know.

 

[ChickenCub]

Ok. So no modifications need to be done to the wings?

 

[MT12]

Nope, not on a 12 for 1935gw

 

[deetz]

Just picked up my PA-12 Fuselage from Charlie Center last week after he finished the gross weight increase, float fittings, supercub gear tabs, and a little dustin & cleanin to get it perfectly straight. Would strongly recommend his gross weight increase. the extra tubing cost about $350, and the rest of the cost was in welding time.
also had a set of leading edges made up for the plane and here is the story that I get from Charlie and most of the IA'a up here: Original PA-12 leading edges only wrap part way around on the bottom, I think, but the supercub stlye leading edges are full wrap on top and bottom to screw into the back side of the front spar. Although not required, this makes the wing significantly stronger with less give and more resilience. If you are doing the rebuild, and recovering the wings, I would look hard at replacing the leading edges for the added strength in the wings.

 

[stewartb]

The full wrap leading edges are part of the FA Dodge tank install and perhaps there are other mods that include them. When I did my own -12 about 8 years ago the FAA absolutely refused to field approve or otherwise allow any non-STC wing mods. Has that attitude changed?

 

[deetz]

Am not certain about the FSDO status, but the wings I am recovering already have the full wrap on them, so I am not asking that question.