Numbers from my plans:Empty dry weight: 487 lbs.Gross weight: 987 lbs. Therefore useful load is 500 lbs.Fuel capacity is 12 gallons.I don't know the answers to your other questions, but I can't imagine that you couldn't fly it without doors and the fuselage uncovered. It is experimental, after all . . .
Is there an estimated, or, actual time it takes to build the DE or the CE ?Bob