Section 6 - Weight And Balance; Introduction; Weight And Balance Loading Form - Piper Cherokee Archer II Operating Handbook

6.1 INTRODUCTION

In order to achieve the performance and flying characteristics which are designed into the airplane, it
must be flown with the weight and center of gravity (C.G.) positioned within the approved operating
range (envelope). Although the airplane offers flexibility of loading, it cannot be flown with the
maximum number of adult passengers, full fuel tanks, and maximum baggage. With the flexibility
comes responsibility. The pilot must ensure that the airplane is loaded within the loading envelope
before he makes a takeoff.
Misloading carries consequences for any aircraft. An overloaded airplane will not take off, climb, or
cruise as well as a properly loaded one. The heavier the airplane is loaded, the less climb performance
it will have.
Center of gravity is a determining factor in flight characteristics. If the C.G. is too far forward in any
airplane, it may be difficult to rotate for takeoff or landing. If the C.G. is too far aft, the airplane may
rotate prematurely on takeoff or tend to pitch up during climb. Longitudinal stability will be reduced.
This can lead to inadvertent stalls and even spins, and spin recovery becomes more difficult as the
center of gravity moves aft of the approved limit.

6.2 WEIGHT AND BALANCE LOADING FORM

Basic Empty Weight
Front Seats
Rear Seats*
Fuel (48 max)
Totals must be within approved weight and C.G. limits. It is the responsibility of the airplane owner and
the pilot to ensure that the airplane is loaded properly. The Basic Empty Weight C.G. is noted on the
Weight and Balance Data Form (Figure 6-5). If the airplane has been altered, refer to the Weight and
Balance Record for this information.
*Utility Category Operation – No baggage or rear passengers allowed.
SECTION 6 – WEIGHT AND BALANCE
Weight (lbs.)
Total
Sample in Italics
Arm Aft
Datum (in.)
1541.2 87.5
330 80.5
0 118.1
288 95.0
2209.2 C.G.
BEW in Bold
43
Piper Aircraft Corporation
PA-28-181, Cherokee Archer II
Moment
(in-lbs.)
134,855
26565
0
27360
88.6