Single best modification for the Pacer / Tri-Pacer?

[wanderer]

From what I've heard, the single best modification for a Pacer might be a 50 lb sandbag in the baggage compartment! The logic being that with all the weight in the front seat, excessive nose-up trim is necessary to stay level. The down force on the stab eats up speed and fuel.
Anybody know if this is true? Makes sense, but it seems like my plane needs lots of nose-DOWN trim in cruise???? Ifso, there couldn't be a much better bang for your buck than $5 for a bag of sand....

[Steve Pierce]

I have never had any issues needing excessive trim in the two Clippers, two Pacers or the Tri-Pacer I have owned. Can you elaborate of the issue?

[dgapilot]

I agree with Steve, never had excessive nose up trim (except when towing) with either the Pacer or any of the several TriPacers I’ve flown. That said, most any airplane will be more efficient when loaded towards the aft CG limit.


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[Gilbert Pierce]

From what I've heard, the single best modification for a Pacer might be a 50 lb sandbag in the baggage compartment! The logic being that with all the weight in the front seat, excessive nose-up trim is necessary to stay level. The down force on the stab eats up speed and fuel.
Anybody know if this is true? Makes sense, but it seems like my plane needs lots of nose-DOWN trim in cruise???? Ifso, there couldn't be a much better bang for your buck than $5 for a bag of sand....

Sounds like some FaceBook misinformation post by someone who never flew one.
The only Shortwings I’ve run into with insufficient trim,(2),were improperly rigged.
Rigging fixed the problem in both cases.
My 160 hp Clipper with 7 gallons of fuel , 2 adults in front and nothing aft of the front seat, rear seat removed, the c.g. was 13.7”. I had more than enough nose up trim to cruise in the yellow arc and fly final trimmed for 65 mph yesterday after a $100 hamburger flight to restaurant that was closed to the inability to get wait staff.

[Tailwind_Fan]

On that note, maybe the best modification to a SWP is to the nut behind the control yoke? If you’re a little heavy, get on a healthy diet and exercise and loose the extra weight. Then the airplane will climb and cruise faster?

-Alana

[JPerkins]

On that note, maybe the best modification to a SWP is to the nut behind the control yoke? If you’re a little heavy, get on a healthy diet and exercise and loose the extra weight. Then the airplane will climb and cruise faster?

-Alana

Hey now, I resemble that statement! The

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[J Ryd]

Lol. Reminds me when i used to race motorcycles. Guys would spend gobs of money for titanium this and lightweight that to save a few pounds with the thinking of increased power to weight ratio. When all they needed to do was skip the burger and donuts :-D
Jan

[Tailwind_Fan]

Hey now, I resemble that statement! The

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A woman never reveals her age or her weight; but, who doesn’t have an extra 10-20 lbs they couldn’t loose....

-Alana

[JPerkins]

I've always said, "I'm built for comfort, not speed".

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[smcnutt]

People tell me to get in shape...Round is a shape.