What do these big nuts cover? See photos

[a64pilot]

Looks like #9 bird shot, easy to tell if it is, as it will have a grey powder residue on it "lead dust" and will mash relatively easily, isn't magnetic and no rust of course.
That is what we use for ballast in aircraft where I work.
Seeing that used as ballast would make me fell good as that is the money is no object, I want it done right way in my opinion. Last time I looked lead shot was about $2 a pound.
I'd assume someone who spent that kind of money on ballast, it may say something about the rest of the build.

[HappyMdRSailor]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Looks like #9 bird shot, easy to tell if it is, as it will have a grey powder residue on it "lead dust" and will mash relatively easily, isn't magnetic and no rust of course.
That is what we use for ballast in aircraft where I work.
Seeing that used as ballast would make me fell good as that is the money is no object, I want it done right way in my opinion. Last time I looked lead shot was about $2 a pound.
I'd assume someone who spent that kind of money on ballast, it may say something about the rest of the build.

Agreed Indeed !

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Looks like #9 bird shot ...
... That is what we use for ballast in aircraft where I work ...

Never heard of "ballast" in an aircraft. Care to elucidate?

[unclemack]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Never heard of "ballast" in an aircraft. Care to elucidate?

They just fly way further with a paper-clip on the front.

Aerodynamics is so easy.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Never heard of "ballast" in an aircraft. Care to elucidate?

Actually a great many have ballast to bring the aircraft within center of gravity limits.
It's ignorant, and I hate it as it's just dead weight that reduces your useful load, slows you down, increases fuel burn and reduces structural strength.
A properly designed aircraft does not have ballast, but many aircraft designs "evolve" and end up with ballast, and a few I guess are just poorly designed.