Piper Turbo Saratoga PA-32-301T Pilot's Manual page 146

SECTION 6 PIPER AIRCRAFT
CORPORATION
WEIGHT AND BALANCE
PA-32-301T,
TURBO SARATOGA
The basic
empty
weight
and C.G. Location are
recorded in the Weight
and Balance Data Form (Figure 6-5) and the Weight
and Balance Record
(Figure 6-7). The current values
should always be used. Whenever
new
equipment
is
added
or
any
modification
work
is done,
the
mechanic
responsible for the work is required
to compute
a new
basic empty weight
and
C.G. 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 so as to keep within allowable limits. Check
calculations prior to adding fuel to insure against
improper
loading.
The following
pages
are forms used in
weighing
an airplane in
production and in
computing
basic
empty
weight,
C.G. position, and useful
load. Note that the
useful
load includes
usable
fuel,
baggage,
cargo
and
passengers.
Following this is the method for computing takeoff
weight
and
C.G.
6.3 AIRPLANE
WEIGHING PROCEDURE
At the time of licensing. Piper Aircraft Corporation provides each
airplanc
with
the basic empty weight and center of gravity location. This
data
is
supplied by Figure 6-5.
The removal or addition
of equipment or airplane modifications
can
affect the basic empty weight and center of gravity.
The following is
a
weighing procedure
to determine
this basic empty weight and center of
gravity location:
(a)
Preparation
(1)
Be certain that
all
items
checked in
the airplane
equipment
list
are
installed in the proper
location
in the airplane.
(2) Remove
excessive
dirt, grease, moisture, and
foreign items
such as rags and tools, from
the
airplane
before
weighing.
(3)
Defuel
airplane. Then
open
all
fuel drains
until all
remaining
fuel is drained. Operate
engine
on
each tank
until all undrainable
fucI is
used and engine stops. Then
add the
unusable fuel (5
gallons total,
2.5 gallons each
wing).
REPORT:
VB-1070
ISSUED: JANUARY
10, 1980
6-2
REVISED: AUGUST
6, 1982