SECTION 4
PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
NORMAL PROCEDURES
PA-38-112, TOMAHAWK
REPORT: 2126
ISSUED: JANUARY 20, 1978
4-24
REVISED: APRIL 30, 1981
4.39 WEIGHT AND BALANCE
It is the responsibility of the pilot and aircraft owner to determine that the
airplane remains within the allowable weight vs. center of gravity envelope
while in flight.
For weight and balance data, refer to Section 6 (Weight and Balance).
4.41 MANEUVERS
The airplane is approved for certain acrobatic maneuvers, provided it is
loaded within the approved weight and center of gravity limits (See Section
2 - Limitations). The approved maneuvers are spins, steep turns, lazy eights,
and chandelles.
Intentional spins are prohibited in the normal category airplane. Lazy
eights and chandelles may be performed in the normal category provided a
60 degree angle of bank and/or a 30 degree angle of pitch is not exceeded.
For approved maneuvers and entry speed, refer to Section 2 - Limitations.
4.43 SPINS
The airplane is approved for intentional spinning when the flaps are fully
retracted.
BEFORE SPINNING
Carrying baggage during the spin is prohibited and the pilot should make
sure that all loose items in the cockpit are removed or securely stowed
including the second pilot’s seat belts if the aircraft is flown solo. Seat
belts and shoulder harnesses should be fastened securely and the seat belts
adjusted first to hold the occupants firmly into the seats before the shoulder
harness is tightened. With the seat belts and shoulder harnesses tight, check
that the position of the pilots’ seats allow full rudder travels to be obtained
and both full back and full forward control wheel movements. Finally check
that the seats are securely locked in position. Spins should only be started
at altitudes high enough to recover fully by at least 4,000 feet AGL, so as to
provide an adequate margin of safety. A one-turn spin, properly executed, will
require 1,000 to 1,500 feet to complete and a six-turn spin will require 2,500 to
3,000 feet to complete. The airplane should be trimmed in a power off glide at
approximately 75 knots before entering the stall prior to spinning. This trim
airspeed assists in achieving a good balance between airspeed and “g” loads
in the recovery dive.