Orval Fairbairn wrote:

Does the issue for maneuvering speed now become the motor mounts,
battery box, seats. etc? If I'm certain that the weak point is not
these things, but the main airframe itself, can I use the maneuvering
airspeed for maximum weight?

Even ignoring flutter, what about damage to elements of the
control system itself like hinges, horns, pulleys, bellcranks,
etc?

All of that stuff has to meet minimum strength requirements.
FAR 23 has it all buried there somewhere. It's all pretty strong.


I should hope so.

But IIUC, the question was, WHEN something breaks,
what breaks first? The elevator departing the aircraft
is one possibility, yes?

It really doesn't matter! If any critical part fails, the rest goes with
it.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

BINGO, Orval.

However, I doubt that your answer is going the satisfy
those that would beat this subject to death. ;-)

P.S.
Anybody know how many angels
can dance on the head of a pin?


- Barnyard BOb -