Calculating Aircraft Dimensions?

[Paul Domingue]

When calculating the overall dimensions of an aircraft e.g. length, wingspan, height, what reference points are used to calculate the height on an amphibious aircraft?
I’m trying to set up reference plans for a model and when I adjust image pixel size for the given height dimensions the result is not visually correct.<o></o>

 

[Milton Shupe]

Hi Paul,

I always have this issue with the height metric depending on type of aircraft.

If taildragger, you definitely cannot rely on that for the modeling program.

For amphibs, wheels up or down? lol

I usually map my calibration box to a tightly cropped 3-view setting the map size to fit the side view bmp.
So, if the 3-view is "accurate", you should be close.

 

[Paul Domingue]

Thanks Milton.

I just measured a photograph that is almost a perpendicular shot and the height works out from the top of the tail to the lowest point of the pontoon with the line of thrust as the horizontal reference point. The line of thrust is horizontal when the aircraft is sitting on it’s tricycle gear as well.