Climb; Cruising; Descent - Piper Cherokee Archer II Operating Handbook

Piper Aircraft Corporation
PA-28-181, Cherokee Archer II

4.13 CLIMB

The best rate of climb at gross weight will be obtained at 76 KIAS. The best angle of climb may be
obtained at 64 KIAS. At lighter than gross weight these speeds are reduced somewhat. For climbing en
route, a speed of 87 KIAS is recommended. This will produce better forward speed and increased
visibility over the nose during the climb.
When reaching the desired altitude, the electric fuel pump may be turned off.

4.14 CRUISING

The cruising speed of the Cherokee Archer II is determined by many factors, including power setting,
altitude, temperature, loading and equipment installed in the airplane.
The normal maximum cruising power is 75% of the rated horsepower of the engine. Airspeeds which
may be obtained at various altitudes and power settings can be determined from the performance graphs
provided by Section 5.
Use of the mixture control in cruising flight reduces fuel consumption significantly, especially at higher
altitudes. The mixture should be leaned during cruising operation above 5000 ft. altitude and at pilot's
discretion at lower altitudes when 75% power or less is being used. If any doubt exists as to the amount
of power being used, the mixture should be in the full "RICH" position for all operations under 5000 feet.
To lean the mixture, disengage the lock and pull the mixture control until the engine becomes rough,
indicating that the lean mixture limit has been reached in the leaner cylinders. Then enrich the mixture by
pushing the control towards the instrument panel until engine operation becomes smooth.
If the airplane is equipped with the optional exhaust gas temperature (EGT) gauge, a more accurate means
of leaning is available to the pilot. For this procedure, refer to the "Avco-Lycoming Operator's Manual."
Always remember that the electric fuel pump should be turned "ON" before switching tanks, and should
be left on for a short period thereafter. In order to keep the airplane in best lateral trim during cruising
flight, the fuel should be used alternately from each tank. It is recommended that one tank be used for one
hour after takeoff, then the other tank be used for two hours: then return to the first tank, which will have
approximately one and one half hours of fuel remaining if the tanks were full at takeoff. The second tank
will contain approximately one half hour of fuel. Do not run tanks completely dry in flight. The electric
fuel pump should be normally "OFF" so that any malfunction of the engine driven fuel pump is
immediately apparent. If the signs of fuel starvation should occur at any time during flight, fuel
exhaustion should be suspected, at which time the fuel selector should be immediately positioned to the
other tank and the electric fuel pump switched to the "ON" position.

4.15 DESCENT

NORMAL
To achieve the performance on Figure 5-29 the power on descent must be used. The throttle should be set
for 2500 RPM, mixture full rich and maintain an airspeed of 122 KIAS. In case carburetor ice is
encountered apply full carburetor heat.
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