Piper PA-28-236 DAKOTA, Pilot Operating Handbook

Page: 137 / 367

SECTION 6 PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
WEIGHT AND BALANCE PA-28-236, DAKOTA
REPORT: VB-910 ISSUED: JUNE 1, 1978
6-2
REVISED: JULY 13, 1984
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 overloading.
The following pages are forms used in weighing an airplane in produc tion
and in computing basic empty weight, C.G. position, and useful load. Note that
the useful load includes usable fuel, baggage, cargo and passen gers. 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 airplane
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, 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 fuel is used and engine stops.
Then add the unusable fuel (5.0 gallons total, 2.5
gallons each wing).