In article itkOe.270577$x96.113603@attbi_s72,
"Jay Honeck" wrote:


Yep. But the extra wing loading (by having the tips full) really, REALLY
makes a difference in turbulence. We have flown places with other pilots
who bitterly complained about the moderate chop en route, which we had not
noticed at all.

Also, in a plane like the Pathfinder, with a 1460 pound useful load, there
is no advantage gained by going light on fuel. (Well, other than rate of
climb, which -- in Iowa -- is pretty much a non-issue. There is no such
thing as having to "out-climb" the terrain around here, and we routinely see
700 fpm climb in summer even with full tanks) Therefore, we top 'er off
after every flight -- even when we have only flown for an hour or two.

I fly an airplane with a 1633 pound useful load and I find quite an
advantage to being light on fuel.

Dragging that extra fuel around makes you slower which means you burn
more fuel along your route.

Perhaps you should rethink your statement about rate-of-climb. What if
you lose a cylinder? (A not uncommon occurance) Now you've only got
partial power to drag your fuel laden airplane containing your family to
a safe landing.

Just because you aren't comfortable with a procedure does not make it
dumb or unsafe.

--
Dale L. Falk

There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing
as simply messing around with airplanes.

http://home.gci.net/~sncdfalk/flying.html