Piper ARCHER III

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5.5 FLIGHT PLANNING EXAMPLE

(a) Aircraft Loading

The first step in planning the flight is to calculate the airplane

weight and center of gravity by utilizing the information provided by

Section 6 (Weight and Balance) of this handbook.

The basic empty weight for the airplane as licensed at the

factory has been entered in Figure 6-5. If any alterations to the

airplane have been made effecting weight and balance, reference to

the aircraft logbook and Weight and Balance Record (Figure 6-7)

should be made to determine the current basic empty weight of the

airplane.

Make use of the Weight and Balance Loading Form (Figure

6-11) and the C.G. Range and Weight graph (Figure 6-15) to deter-

mine the total weight of the airplane and the center of gravity

position.

After proper utilization of the information provided, the following

weights have been determined for consideration in the flight planning

example.

The landing weight cannot be determined until the weight of the

fuel to be used has been established [refer to item (g)(1)].

(1) Empty Weight 1400 lbs.

(2) Occupants (2 x 170 lbs.) 340 lbs.

(3) Baggage and Cargo 360 lbs.

(4) Fuel (6 lb./gal. x 50) 300 lbs.

(5) Takeoff Weight 2400 lbs.

(6) Landing Weight

(a)(5) minus (g)(1), (2400 lbs.

minus 160.2 lbs.) 2239.8 lbs.

The takeoff weight is below the maximum of 2550 lbs. and the

weight and balance calculations have determined that the C.G.

position is within the approved limits.