Piper PA-28-236 DAKOTA, Pilot Operating Handbook

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SECTION 6 PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
WEIGHT AND BALANCE PA-28-236, DAKOTA
REPORT: VB-910 ISSUED: AUGUST 1, 1980
6-12b
SAMPLE PROBLEM
A sample problem will demonstrate the use of the weight and balance
plotter.
Assume a basic weight and C.G. location of 1800 pounds at 81.00 inches
respectively. We wish to carry a pilot and 3 passengers. Two men weighing
180 and 200 pounds will occupy the front seats, and two children weighing 80
and 100 pounds will ride in the rear. Two suitcases weighing 25 pounds and 20
pounds respectively, will be carried in the rear compartment. We wish to carry
60 gallons of fuel. Will we be within the safe envelope?
(a) Place a dot on the plotter grid at 1800 pounds and 81.00 inches to
represent the basic airplane. (See illustration.)
(b) Slide the slotted plastic into position so that the dot is under the slot for
the forward seats, at zero weight.
(c) Draw a line up the slot to the 380 pounds position (180 + 200) and put
a dot. .
(d) Continue moving the plastic and plotting points to account for weight
in the rear seats (80 + 100), baggage compartment (45), and fuel tanks
(360).
(e) As can be seen from the illustration, the final dot shows the total
weight to be 2765 pounds with the C. G. at 86.18. This is well within
the envelope.
(f) There will be room for some more fuel.
As fuel is burned ·off, the weight and C. G. will follow down the fuel line
and stay within the envelope for landing.