Piper CHEROKEE WARRIOR II Pilot Operating Handbook page 120

PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
PA-28-161, CHEROKEE WARRIOR II
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
weighting 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: MAY 30, 1980
SAMPLE PROBLEM
SECTION 6
WEIGHT AND BALANCE
REPORT: VB-880
6-16a