Based on data supplied by CSA I have done a small Long-Ez weight study, mainly to find the impact of the use of the popular O-320 engine option.
So please find som digest data points.
Based on data for 92 nos. O-235 powered vs. 107 nos O-320 powered versions of the Long I found that:
O-235 Long-Ez, average weight 896 lbs (Max. 1050 lbs/Min. 791 lbs)
O-320 Long-Ez, average weight 961 lbs (Max. 1084 lbs/Min. 845 lbs)
I have done simple 'data wash' like removing what is (hopefylly) typos like a a 400 or 1400 lbs empty weight.
Now go figure based on Marcs accurate numbers from the POH and you will conclude that most LE are flown significantly over gross.
And its not simple to estimate what *real* resserve is hiden in Burts design. This would have to consider such 'simple issues' as structural strengt including buckling of structures with unknown imperfections (read builder competence, variances in dimensions and material properties among other) and structure/flow interaction (Flutter)
Everyone are free to make up their own opinion on the subject (including that on MTOW) but beware that you will most likely only know the 'true' limit by means of the first NTSB report.
I guess this is where the the 'Experimental' part comes in
Safe building,
Henrik