Cruising - Piper CHEROKEE ARCHER II Pilot Operating Handbook

PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
PA-28-181, CHEROKEE ARCHER II
4.25 CLIMB
SECTION 4
NORMAL PROCEDURES
The best rate of climb at gross weight will be obtained at 87 MPH lAS (76 KTS lAS). The best angle
of climb may be obtained at 74
MPH
lAS (64 KTS lAS). At lighter than gross weight these speeds are
reduced somewhat. For climbing en route, a speed of 100 MPH lAS (87 KTS lAS) 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.
4.27 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. "
In order to keep the airplane in best lateral trim during cruise flight, the fuel should be used
alternately from each tank at one hour intervals.
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 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.
ISSUED: AUGUST 15, 1975
REPORT: VB-760
4-13