LE vs LE XL pilot weight limits

[BrianInVA]

Can Legal Eagle wings be lengthened to Legal Eagle XL length?


Is the wing span the main difference in weight capacity between the LE and the LE XL?

I just purchased a Legal Eagle in airworthy condition with a Kawasaki 440 motor. The Legal Eagle pilot weight limit is 225lbs, while the LE XL version weight limit is 275lbs.

(I’m well over the 225lb capacity.)

[Kamcoman77]

You could build an XL wing and put it on an LEU, then I think you would be safe in upping the pilot weight. You should not try to lengthen the LEU wings because the spars are not as strong as the XL's. IMHO adding an extra bay at each end of an LEU wing would seriously stress the spars.

[BrianInVA]

You could build an XL wing and put it on an LEU, then I think you would be safe in upping the pilot weight. You should not try to lengthen the LEU wings because the spars are not as strong as the XL's. IMHO adding an extra bay at each end of an LEU wing would seriously stress the spars.

Ok thanks. I kind of assumed as much. I think I read somewhere the XL wings were an improvement in the design over the LEU wings?

The folding wing option would also be a great addition so I’ll probably go that route with the XL wings when replacing them.

Please forgive a n00b question if the answer should otherwise be obvious for a seasoned LE builder - Can the current wings’ ribs or any of its other parts be reused in building the XL wings?

(I decided to buy an already built LEU because this one came up ready to fly for $2,000, and didn’t think I could build one from scratch for that. A friend witnessed it running and flying and knew the seller.)

[Kamcoman77]

The wing ribs are the same on XL and LEU as far as airfoil goes. Many of the ribs are identical. I'm not sure about ribs #7, #12, & #13, but they probably are.

[Dan_]

The L.E. wing is basically a mini max wing with much improved ailerons and control system...  

The XL wing was a big bux professional aeronautical engineer re-design.  With proper stress analysis.

[BrianInVA]

The XL wing was a big bux professional aeronautical engineer re-design.  With proper stress analysis.

So it would be worth getting the plans for the folding XL wings and build new XL wings from scratch to replace the LEU wings?

[Kamcoman77]

Unless Leonard has updated the folding wing plans, they don't cover the XL, only the LEU. Remember, the wing mounting setup is quite different between the two models. If you want to see an XL folding wing, look at ADCO Aviation's YouTube video series.

[BrianInVA]

Unless Leonard has updated the folding wing plans, they don't cover the XL, only the LEU. Remember, the wing mounting setup is quite different between the two models. If you want to see an XL folding wing, look at ADCO Aviation's YouTube video series.

Looks like they may have updated the plans?

https://legaleagleairplane.com/product/folding-wings-and-tail-plan/

“Shows how to modify the wing to allow them to be folded can be adapted for the Legal Eagle and the XL.”

[Dan_]

So it would be worth getting the plans for the folding XL wings and build new XL wings from scratch to replace the LEU wings?

Yes. Definitely...

I'd call him to make the order, and let him know you want to use whatever you can take off the l.E. wing.  He will have wise counsel for the "scrounging" operation. Nobody loves scrounging more than Leonard.
 

[BrianInVA]

Yes. Definitely...

I'd call him to make the order, and let him know you want to use whatever you can take off the l.E. wing.  He will have wise counsel for the "scrounging" operation. Nobody loves scrounging more than Leonard.
 

He responded via email to my question so we’re having an ongoing email exchange now. I’ll call him to place an order for plans.

[BrianInVA]

I just had a great phone chat with Leonard. What an exceptional guy, very patient with a total n00b, and very encouraging. He repeated several times that I could to call back any time I needed his input. Amazing.