Piper CHEROKEE ARCHER II Pilot Operating Handbook page 97

PIPER
ATRCRAFT CORPORATION
PA.28-I8I. CHEROKEE ARCHER
II
SECTION
6
WEICHT AND BALAi\iCE
SECTTON 6
WEIGHT AND BALANCE
6.I
GENERAL
ln
order
to
achieye
the performance and flying characteristics
*hich
are designed-into
the airplane. it
must be
flown
'*ith
the weight and center
of graritl'(C.G.) position within
the approred operating rangc
(enrelope).
Although the airp-lane
offers
flexibilitv of loading. it cannot
be
flown with
the
maximum number of
adult
passengers. f-utt
tuet tanks and maximum
baggage.
With
the
flexibilitl'comes responsibilitr.
the pilot
must;nsureihat 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 aI a properll, loaded one. The heavier the airplane is loaded.
the less
climb performance it
uill
hale.
Center
of gravity
is
a determining factor
in flight characteristics.
If
the C.G.
is
too far foruard in
anr
airplane.
it
ma1,
be
difficult ro
rotate for takeoff or landing. If the C.G.
is
too far aft. the airplane mat'rotate
prematurely on takeoff or tend to pitch up during climb. Longitudinal stability
will
be
reduced. This can
lead
io inadl.ertint stalls and even
spini. and spin
recovery becomes more
difficult
as
the center of
gravitl'
mores a[t
of
the approved limit.
A properll- toaded airplane. however.
witl
perform
as
intended. Before the airplane is licensed. a
basic
empty weight and C.G.
locition
is
computed
(baiic
gmpty weight consists
o^f
the
standard empty weight of the
airptine pius the
oprional equipment). Using the basic
empty weight and C.G.
location. the
pilot
can determine
theweight 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.
The basic
empty weight and
C.d. location are recorded
in the Weight and Balance
Data Form
(
Figure
f,5)
and
the Weigirt'and Eahnce Record (Figure 6-7). The current values should always be used.
Whenever
new
equipment
iiadded
or any
modification work
is
done. the
mechanic responsible
for
the
work
is
required
to
compure'a ne*, basic empry weight and
C.C. position
and
to write
these
in the
Aircraft Log Book and the
Weight and Balance Record. The owner should make sure that
it
is done.
A weight and
balance
calculation
is necessary
in
determining how much-fuel or
baggage
can
be
boarded
\o a\ to kiep
within allowable limits. Check calculations
prior to adding fuel to
insure
against improper
loading.
The
following pages are
forms
used
in weighing an airplane and in-computing basic
empty
weight. C.G'
position. and usefui load. Note that the useful load includes usable
fuel.
baggage.
cargo and passengers.
Following this
is the method
for
computing takeoff weight and C.C.
ISSUED: JUNE
lt,
1976
REVISED:
MARCH
30,
t9t4
REPORT: V&790
GI