PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
SECTION 6
PA-28-161, CHEROKEE WARRIOR II
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 insure that 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 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. If 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 delivered, it is
weighed, and 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.
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.
ISSUED: DECEMBER 16, 1976
REPORT: VB-880
REVISED: JULY 3, 1979
6-1
Содержание CHEROKEE WARRIOR II
Страница 253: ...Piper PA 28 161 28 7916159 N3067D ...