Piper PA-28-161 Pilot Operating Handbook page 126

PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
PA-28-161, WARRIOR II
SECTION 6
WEIGHT AND BALANCE
SAMPLE PROBLEM
A sample problem will demonstrate the use of the weight and balance
plotter.
Assume a basic weight and C.G.location of 1300 pounds at 85.00 inches
respectively. We wish to carry a pilot and 3 passengers. Two men weighing
180 and 200 pounds will occupy the front seats, and two children weighing
80 and 100 pounds will ride in the rear. Two suitcases weighing 25 pounds
and 20 pounds respectively, will be carried in the rear compartment. We
wish to carry 48 gallons of fuel. Will we be within the safe envelope?
(a) Place a dot on the plotter grid at 1300 pounds and 85.00 inches to
represent the basic airplane. (See illustration.)
(b) Slide the slotted plastic into position so that the dot is under the slot
for the forward seats, at zero weight. .
(c) Draw a line up the slot to the 380 pound position (180 + 200) and put
a dot.
(d) Continue moving the plastic and plotting points to account for
weight in the rear seats (80 + 100}, baggage compartment (45), and
fuel tanks (288).
(e) As can be seen from the illustration, the final dot shows the total
weight to be 2193 pounds with the C.G. at 89.44. This is well within
the envelope.
As fuel is burned off, the weight and C. G. will follow down the fuel line
and stay within the envelope for landing.
ISSUED: AUGUST 13, 1982 REPORT: VB-1180
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