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PA-28-181, ARCHER ill
SECTION6
WEIGHT AND BALANCE
SECTION 6
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 ensure that the airplane is loaded
within the loading envelope before he makes a takeoff.
Misleading 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. lf 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 more
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 certified, a basic empty weight and C.G. location is computed (basic
empty weight consists of the standard empty weight of the airplane plus the
optional equipment). Using the basic empty weight and C.G. location, the pilot
can easily 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: December 22, 2017
REPORT: VB-2749
6-1
