Gross weight differences O-2 vs. 337

[Sapper]

In aviation, I am conservative. The O2 has had a hard life in the military, and in fire spotting. Stress in aluminum is cumulative. In the case of my O2, repair of a bullet hole that required some kind of engineering from Cessna. I will not be exceeding the conservative civilian max gross of 4300#.

[Mayhemxpc]

The question was why there is information showing a different MGW for the O-2A than for the civilian C-337B. I am not advocating flying it beyond the FAA type certificate.

Yes, most of the O-2As have had a hard life. Although the Air Force Flight Manual says no aerobatic maneuvers, there is plenty of evidence that O-2A pilots performed such manuevers and the O-2A weapons delivery manual shows tables for rocket launches at 70 degrees dive! Then there is the issue of avoiding and being hit by enemy fire. It is worth getting to know as much of the history of your plane as you can. Mine, for example (aside from the 14 bullet-hole patches) had extensive work done to the spars and attach points when it came back from SEA -- in fact the whole right wing was replaced. It's post Davis-Monthan life, however, has been more sedate than yours.

All that said, I am very careful with W&B and I do not fly it over the 4300 pound type certificate MGW.

[Morne]

Originally Posted by Sapper

Stress in aluminum is cumulative.

Care to elaborate on that?

[hew]

I have a C337E, MTOW 4440lbs, the TC337E has a MTOW of 4630lbs, the C337F has a MTOW of 4630lbs. Is it possible to increase 4440 lbs to 4630 lbs without modifications. The E & F models were almost identical. The service C337SM65 Service Manual lists the C337E MTOW as 4630 lbs.
What should I use?

[hharney]

A6CE is the law of the land


http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/a036166830d57422862572430067c12b/$FILE/A6CE.pdf

[hew]

I have this email from Owen Bell, "We have an STC program in process which will address your request. Hoping to have finished early in 2015" looks promising.