Piper COMANCHE User Manual

The Piper Comanche
Use of the mixture control in cruising flight reduces fuel con-
sumption significandy, especially at higher alti~udea. The mixture
should always be leaned during cruising operation over 5000 feet
altitude, and ntlrmdly also at lower altitudes aE the pilot's discretion.
.
The continuous use of carburetor heat during cruising Bight
increases fuel consumption and reduces power and periormance.
bless icing conditions in the carburetox are severe, do not cruise
with the heat on, Apply full heat only for a few seconds at intervals
determined by icing severity.
111 order to kcep the airpIme in best laleral trim during cruisitlg,
the fuel sl~ould be used alternately from each tank. On the 180
Comanclie, it is recamneded that me tank be used for one hour after
take afT, then the opposiie tai~k uscd. far two hours, and 111an the
first lank until he Iucl runs completely out. This will take approxi*
#
rnately two hours if the tanks were full, including the reserve quantity,
at take off, and will leave aboul one more hour's fuel left in the
second tank, On the 250, a similar procedure should be used keeping
-the fuel load in an approximate balance to avoid wing heaviness.
VI. Approach and Landing:
During the approach, the landing gear can be lowered ar speeds
under 150 MPH, preferably on the downwind leg. The .flaps can be
lowered at speeds of up to 125 MPH, if desired. For final approach,
trim the aircraft to approximarely 85 MPH (PA-24-180), 90 MPH
(PA-24-25 0) with full flaps, or approximately 90 MPH (PA-24-180). 9 5
MPH (PA-24-250) with no flaps. The propeller should be set at high
RPM to faci1itate an emergency goaround if needed. Carburetor heat
generally is not applied during landing unless icing conditions are
suspected. If a landing is aborted move the carburetor heat to the off
position immediately if full power is desired.
The amounr of flap used during landings and the speed of the
aircraft at contact should be varied according to the wind, the landing
surface, and other factors. It is always best to contact the ground at the
minimum practicable speed consisrent with landing conditions.
Normally, the best technique for shaa and dow landings is to use
full flap and a small amount of power, holding the nose up as,long as
possible before and after ground contact. In high wind conditions,
pa~6cularly in strong crosswinds, it may be desirable to approach the
ground at higher than normal speeds, with partial or no flap.

Piper COMANCHE Specifications

General

Manufacturer	Piper Aircraft
Seating Capacity	4
Model	PA-24
Crew	1
Capacity	3 passengers
Height	7 ft 6 in (2.29 m)
Max Takeoff Weight	2, 900 lb (1, 315 kg)
Type	Light aircraft
Variants	PA-24-180, PA-24-250, PA-24-260
Engine	Lycoming
Wingspan	36 ft (11.0 m)
Powerplant	1 × Lycoming O-540-A1A5 6-cylinder horizontally opposed piston engine, 250 hp (190 kW)