Piper Malibu PA-46-310P Pilot Operating Handbook page 173

PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
PA-46-JlOP, MALIBU
SECTION 6
SECTION 6
WEIGHT AND BALANCE
WEIGHT AND BALANCE
6.1 GENERAL
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.) position 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 insure
that the airplane is loaded within the loading envelope before he makes a
takeoff.
M isloading 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 mor~ difficult as the center of gravity moves aft
of the approved limit.
A properly loaded airplane, however, will perform as intended. Before
the airplane is licensed, a basic empty weight and C.G. location is computed
(basic empty weight consists of the standard empty weight of the airpiane
plus the optional equipment). Using the basic empty weight and C.G.
location, the pilot can determine the weight and C.G. position for the loaded
airplane by computing the total weight and moment and then determining
whether they are within the approved envelope.
ISSUED: JANUARY 11, 1984
REVISED: APRIL 30, 1984
REPORT: VB-1200
6-1