TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 6

WEIGHT AND BALANCE

Paragraph Page
No. No.

6.1 General .......................................... 6-1

6.3 Airplane Weighting Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
6.5 Weight and Balance Data and Record ...............
6-5
6.7 General Loading Recommendations ................. 6-9
6.9 Weight and Balance Determination for Flight . . . . . . . . . 6-9
6.11 Weight and Balance Visual Plotter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6-17
6.13 Instruction for Using Plotter .......................
, 6-17

REPORT: 2210
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PIPER Allt0RAFT CORPORATION SECTION 6
PA-31T, CHEYENNE 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 a takeoff.

Misloading carries consequences for any aircraft. An overloaded air-

plane 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 take-
off 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 re-
duced. 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 (basicempty 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.

ISSUED: SEPTEMBER 14 1979 REPORT: 2210

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SECTION 6 PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
WEIGHT AND BALANCE PA-31T, CHEYENNE

The basic empty weight and C.G. location are recorded in the Weight
and Balance Data Form (Figure 6-7) and the Weight and Balance Record
(Figure 6-9). The current values should always be used. Whenever new
equipment is added or any modification work is done, the mechanic res-
ponsible 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 pro-

duction 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.

6.3 AIRPLANE WEIGHING PROCEDURES

At the time of delivery, Piper Aircraft Corporation provides each air-

plane with the basic empty weight and center of gravity location. This data is
supplied by Figure 6-7.

The removal or addition of equipment or airplane modifications can

affect the basic empty weight and center of gravity. The following is a
weighing procedure to determine this basic empty weight and center of
gravity location:

(a) Preparation
(1) Be certain that all items checked in the airplane equipment
list are installed in the proper location in the airplane.

(2) Remove excessive dirt, grease, moisture, foreign items such

as rags and tools from the airplane before weighing.

(3) Defuel airplane. Then open all fuel drains until all remain-
ing fuel is drained. Operate engine on each tank until all un-
drainable fuel is used and engine stops.

REPORT: 2210 ISSUED: SEPTEMBER 14, 1979

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PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORAfiON SECTION 6
PA-31T, CHEYENNE WEIGHT AND BALANCE

(4) Fill to full capaccity with oil and operating fluids.

(5) Place pilot and copilot seats in a center position on the seat
tracks. Put flaps in the fully retracted position and all
control surfaces in the neutral position. Tow bar should be
in the proper location and all entrance and baggage doors
closed.

(6) Weigh the airplane inside a closed building to prevent

errors in the scale readings due to wind.

(b) Leveling

(1) With airplane on scales, block main gear oleo pistons in the
fully extended position.

(2) Level airplane (refer to Figure 6-3), deflating tires to center

bubble on level.

(c) Weighing Airplane

With the airplane level and brakes released, record the weight
shown on each scale. Deduct the tare, if any, from each reading.

AIRPLANE AS WEIGHED
(Including full oil and operating fluids but no fuel)

Scale Net
Scale Position and Symbol Reading Tare Weight

Nose Wheel (N)

Right Main Wheel (R)

Left Main Wheel (L)

Weight (as Weighted) (T)

WEIGHING FORM
Figure 6-1

ISSUED: SEPTEMBER 14, 1979 REPORT: 2210

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SECTION 6 PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
WEIGHT AND BALANCE PA-31T, CHEYENNE

(d) Center of Gravity

I (1) The following geometry applies to the PA-31T airplane

when it is level Refer to Leveling paragraph 6.3 (b).

MAIN SPAR
-16-5
137"

i 103.6 LEVELlNG PROVISIONS

Longitudinal Right side of fuselage nose

-

Stations 48.35 & 80.25

Lateral Iovel across 2 center seat rails
-

LEVELING DIAGRAM
Figure 6-3

(2) C.G. Arm of airplane as weighed =

(137 + 15) (103.6)(N)

-
=

lnches Aft of Datum

REPORT: 2210 ISSUED: SEPTEMBER 14, 1979

6-4 REVISED: AUGUST 28, 1980
PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION SECTION 6
PA-3lT, CHEYENNE WEIGHT AND BALANCE

(e) Basic Empty Weight

Arm
Weight x (Inches Aft =
Moment
item (Lbs) of Datum) (In-Lbs)

Weight (as Weighed)

Unusable Fuel (8 gal.) 54 126 6804

Basic Empty Weight

BASIC EMPTY WEIGHT

Figure 6-5

6.5 WEIGHT AND BALANCE DATA RECORD

The Basic Empty Weight, Center of Gravity Location and Useful Load
listed in Figure 6-7 are for the airplane as licensed at the factory. These
figures apply only to the specific airplane serial number and registration
number shown.

The basic empty weight of the airplanc as licensed at the factory has
been entered in the Weight and Balance Record (Figure 6-9). This form is
provided to present the current status of the airplane basic empty weight and
a complete history of previous modifications. Any change to the per-
manently installed equipment or modification which affects weight or
moment must be entered in the Weight and Balance Record.

ISSUED: SEPTEMBER 14, 1979 REPORT: 2210

REVISED: FEBRUARY 6, 1984 6-5
SECTION 6 PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
WEIGHT AND BALANCE PA-31T, CHEYENNE

MODEL PA-31T CHEYENNE

Airplane Serial Number

Registration Number

Date

AIRPLANE BASIC EMPTY WEIGHT

C.G. Arm
Weight x (Inches Aft =
Moment
Item (Lbs) of Datum) (In-Lbs)

Standard Empty Weight*

Optional Equipment (if applicable)

Basic Empty Weight

*The standard empty weight includes full 6.5 gallon oil capacity, full
operating fluids, and 8 gallons of unusable fuel.

AlR PLANE USEFUL LOAD NORMAL CATEGORY OPERATION

-
(Max. Ramp Weight) -

(Basic Empty Weight) = Useful Load

(9050lbs.) -

( lbs.) =
lbs.

THIS BASlC EMPTY WElGHT, C.G. AND USEFUL LOAD ARE

FOR THE AIRPLANE AS LICENSED AT THE FACTORY. REFER
TO APPROPRlATE AlRCRAFT RECORD WHEN ALTERATIONS
HAVE BEEN MADE.

WEIGHT AND BALANCE DATA FORM

Figure 6-7

REPORT: 2210 ISSUED: SEPTEMBER 14, 1979

6-6 REVISED: APRIL 29, 1982
PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION SECTION 6
PA-31T CHEYENNE WEIGHT AND BALANCE

(+) pappy

WEIGHT AND BALANCE RECORD

Figure 6-9.

ISSUED: SEPTEMBER 14, 1979 REPORT: 2210

REVISED: APRIL 29, 1982 6-7
SECTION 6 PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
WEIGHT AND BALANCE PA-31T, CHEYENNE

vo

o o

.°

E o

WEIGHT AND BALANCE RECORD (cont)

Figure 6-9 (cont)

REPORT: 2210 ISSUED: SEPTEMBER 14, 1979

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PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION SECTION 6
PA-31T, CHEYENNE WEIGHT AND BALANCE

6.7 GENERAL LOADING RECOMMENDATIONS

Load occupants from front to rear progressively and observe zero fuel
weight limitations.
(a) I to 5 Occupants
Load rear baggage compartment to capacity first.

(b) 6 Occupants
Load front and rear baggage compartments equally.

(c) 7 Occupants
Load front baggage compartment first and locate heaviest
occupants forward. Fuel or baggage may have to be reduced.

(d) 8 Occupants
Load front baggage compartment to bring C.G. within 138
inches rearward limit. Fuel must be reduced to keep the total
weight within the 9050 lb. Ramp Weight limit. Locate heaviest
occupants forward.

NOTE

These general loading recommendations sug-

gest normal proper loading procedures. The
charts, graphs, instructions, and plotter should
be cl>ecked to assure that the airplane is within
the allowable weight vs. center of gravity
envelope.

6.9 WEIGHT AND BALANCE DETERMINATION FOR FLIGHT

(a) Add the weight of all items to be loaded to the Basic Empty Weight.
Observe maximum zero fuel weight of 7200 pounds.

(b) Use the Loading Chart (Figure 6-15) to determine the moment of all
items to be carried in the airplane.

(c) Add the moment of all items to be loaded to the Basic Empty
Weight moment.

(d) Divide the total moment by the total weight to determine the C.G.
location.

ISSUED: SEPTEMBER 14, 1979 REPORT: 2210

6-9
5ttiloN 6 PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
WEIGHT AND BALANCE PA-31T, CHEYENNE

(e) By using the figures of item (a) and item (d) (above), locate a point
on the Weight, Moment,and C.G. Limits graph(Figure6-IT). If the
point falls within the C.G. envelope and the airplane's zero fuel
weight does not exceed 7200 pounds, the loading meets the weight
and balance requirements.

(f) Location of the point on the Weight, Moment, and C.G. Limits
graph indicates whether the airplane is slightly nose heavy or
slightly tail heavy and can assist in setting pitch trim for takeoff.

IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE P1LOT AND AIRCRAFT

OWNER TO INSURE THAT THE AIRPLANE IS LOADED
PROPERLY.

REPORT: 2210 ISSUED: SEPTEMBER 14, 1979

PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION SECTION 6
PA-31T, CHEYENNE WEIGHT AND BALANCE

ITEM WT. LBS. ARM-IN. MOMENT

Basic Airplane 5 1 2 9 129.1 6 6 2 l 5 4

Revised Airplane

Pilot's Seat I 7 0 I19.0 2 0 2 3 0

Copilot's Seat I 7 0 I19.0 2 0 2 3 0

Seat No. 3 166./ 159 (Reversed)

Seat No. 4 166./159 (Reversed)

Seat No. 5 1 7 0 198.0 3 3 6 6 0

Seat No. 6 1 7 0 198.0 3 3 6 6 0

Seat No. 7 229.0

Seat No. 8 242.0

Fwd. Baggage 30.0

Fue)300Gal. 2010 278200

Total Wt. 7 9 3 9 Total Moment 1 0 7 8 7 3 4

C.G. Location for Takeoff 135.9

SAMPLE LOADING PROBLEM

Figure 6-1 I

ISSUED: SEPTEMBER 14, 1979 REPORT: 2210

REVISED: FEBRUARY 6, 1984 6-11
SECTION 6 PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
WEIGHT AND BALANCE PA-31T, CHEYENNE

ITEM WT. LBS. ARM-IN. MOMENT

Basic Airplane

Revised Airplane

Pilot's Seat I 19.0

Copilot's Seat

Seat No. 3 66./159 (Reversed)

Seat No. 4 66./159 (Reversed)

Seat No. 5 198.0

Seat No. 6 198.0

Seat No. 7 229.0

Seat No. 8 242.0

Fwd Baggage 30.0

Rwd Baggage 255.0

Fuel Gal.

Total Wt. Total Moment

C.G. Location for Takeoff

WORK SHEET
Figure 6-13

ISSUED: SEPTEMBER 14, 1979

REPORT: 2210
6-12
 OCCUPANTS

Crew Seats 3 & 4 Seats 3 & 4 Seats Seat Seat

Seat Fwd Facing Aft Facing 5&6 7 8
Arm 119 Arm 166 Arm 159 Arm 198 Arm 229 Arm 242

Weight
Ibs. Moment 100

120 143 199 191 238 275 290 -

130 155 216 207 257 298 315 2

140 167 232 223 277 321 339
150 179 249 239 297 344 363
160 190 266 254 317 366 387
170 202 282 270 337 389 4 I1
180 214 299 286 356 412 436
190 226 315 302 376 435 460
200 238 332 318 396 458 484
SECTION 6 PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
WEIGHT AND BALANCE PA-31T, CHEYENNE

FUEL

Gal. Weight Lbs. Moment) 100

50 335 445
100 670 893
150 1005 1361
200 1340 1844
250 1675 2320
300 20 10 2782
336 2251 3113
350 2345 3243
366 2452 3391

8 gal, unusable fuel (54 Ibs., 6804 in.-lbs.) included in basic empty weight.

LOADING CHART (cont)

Figure 6-15 (cont)

REPORT: 1210 ISSUED: SEPTEMBER 14, 1979

6-14 REVISED: FEBRUARY 6, 1984
PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION SECTION ó
PA-31T, CHEYENNE WEIGHT AND BALANCE

BAGGAGE

Fwd Rear
Arni = 30 Arni =
255

VVeight
Lbs. Alornent/ 100

10 3 26
20 6 SI
30 9 77
40 12 102
50 15 128
60 18 153
70 21 179
80 24 204
90 27 230
100 30 255
110 33 281
120 36 306
130 39 332
140 42 357
150 45 383
160 48 408
170 51 434
180 54 459
190 57 485
200 60 510
210 63
220 66
230 69
240 72
250 75
260 78
270 81
280 84
290 87
300 90

LOADING.CHART (cont)
Figure 6-15 (cont)

ISSUED: SEPTEMBER 14, 1979 REPORT: 2210

6-15
SECTION 6 PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
WEIGHT AND BALANCE PA-31T, CHEYENNE

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33 , 135 137
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31 132 138-

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$800 TOTAL
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1800
127 119 131 133 135 137
I i 120 130 132 134 138 138
AFTDATUM
MCHES

C.G. LIMITS GRAPH

Figure 6-17

REPORT: 2210 ISSUED: SEPTEMBER 14, 1979

6-16
PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION SECTION 6
PA-31T, CHEYENNE WEIGHT AND BALANCE

6.11 WEIGHT AND BALANCE VISUAL PLOTTER

The Weight and Balance Visual Plotter (Figure 6-19) furnished with the
airplane will enable the pilot to graphically determine whether or not his
proposed loading will fall within the allowable envelope. It will also deter-
mine the necessary adjustments to make if his first proposed loading is not
within this envelope. On the back of the plotter are printed instructions for
use and general loading recommendations.

When plotting successive points, the pilot is graphically adding weights

and corresponding moments. As the weight increases, through the addition
of various items of disposable load, the pilot will see the shift in the center of
gravity.

Going clockwise around the envelope, the heavy lines represent allow-
able weight at the forward C.G. limit (126 in.), the maximum allowable
weight as the C.G. shifts rearward, the maximum weight with no fuel
(7200 pounds), the gross weight (9000 lbs.), the ramp weight (9050 lbs.),
and maximum rearward C.G. limit (138 in.).

Before arranging his load, the pilot should consult the General Loading
Recommendations.

IT IS THE RESPONSIBlLITY OF THE OWNER AND PILOT TO

ASCERTAIN THAT THE AIRPLANE ALWAYS REMAINS WITHIN
THE ALLOWABLE WEIGHT VS. CENTER OF GRAVITY
ENVELOPE WHILE IN FLIGHT.

6.13 INSTRUCTION FOR USING PLOTTER

(a) Locate and mark on the face of the plotter the point corresponding
with "Airplane Weight" and "C.G. Location."This point represents
the Basic Empty Weight of the airplane with oil, operating fluids,
and 8 gallons (54 pounds) of unusable fuel included. The mark may
be made in ink, as this is the point from which all computations are
started.

(b) Locate the base of the " Ist and 2nd Seat"slot over the starting point,
and establish a second point at the combined weight of the front seat
occupants.

ISSUED: SEPTEMBER 14, 1979 REPORT: 2210

REVISED: SEPTEMBER 11, 1981 6-17
SECTION 6 PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
WEIGHT AND BALANCE PA-31T, CHEYENNE

(c) The base of the applicable "3rd and 4th Seat" slot, "(Fore)" or
"(Aft)," is then centered over the second point, and a new point is
established at the combined weight of the seat occupants.

(d) Similarly, the bases of the "5th and 6th,""7th Seat,"and"8thSeat"

slots are moved over each preceding point and a new point estabi-
lished at the appropriate weight.

(e) Center the base of the "Fore Baggage"slot over the point of the last
"Seat" point plotted, and establish a point in the slot corresponding
to the nose compartment baggage weight.

(f) "Aft Baggage" is then plotted using the same procedure as above,
with the base of the "Aft Baggage"centered at the point established
for the "Fore Baggage."

(g) Place the 54 pound mark of the "A" fuel at the point where the "Aft
Baggage" was marked, plot fuel "A." Using the point marked for
"A" fuel, plot fuel "B;" and subsequently plot fuel "C." (See
Paragraph 6.7 General Loading Recommendations for baggage
- -

and fuel.)

NOTES

Should the "Fuel"slot cross the "Ramp weight"

line between 132.1 and 138 inches, the fuel
indicated at the exit point is the maximum
allowable.

Should the "Fuel"slot cross the "Ramp weight"

line otherthan between I32. I and 138inches, or
exit the "CG Envelope"(outlined in red) other
than between 131.9 and 138 inches the baggage
or passenger load should be redistributed
forward or aft, as required, to allow a higher
load up to 9050 pounds Ramp Weight.

The dotted outline at 9050 pounds provides an

additional 50 pounds of fuel for taxiing pur-
poses only when the fuel is limited in favor of
payload. In no case shall the payload result in a
zero fuel airplane weight in excess of 7200
pounds.

REPORT: 2210 ISSUED: SEPTEMBER 14, 1979

6-18 REVISED: MARCH 20, 1980
PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION SECTION 6
PA-31T, CHEYENNE WEIGHT AND BALANCE

MODEL PA3IT
WEIGHT ANO BALANCE
VISUALPLOTTERFOR

IT IS1ME NESPONSIBLITY OF TFEOMER ANDPLOT TO ASCERTAINTHAT THE

AIRPLANE ALWAYS REMAINS WITHN THEALLOWABLE WEIGHT VS CENTER OF
GRAVITY ENVELOPEWHLEINFLIGHT
-

RAMP WEIGHT
fa 31T CHEYENNE WEIGHT gr_
JENTER OF GRAVITY ÁS
È4 .

ENVELOPE MAK QROSS WEIGHT

0000

8200 -

8000

7800

76OD

oo _
y]
7200
¯

O vooo I O

66QB
too 2000
O 64 O
o o 1000
6200
CC A & S LE FUEL

58OD -

6600 -

5400 -
-

5200 - -

5000

30CC
126 08 E30 132 134 136 08
C.G. LOCATION (INCHES AFT lATud

WEIGHT AND BALANCE VISUAI PLOTTER

Figure 6-19

ISSUED: SEPTEMBER 14, 1979 REPORT: 2210

REVISED: FEBRUARY 6, 1984 6-19
SECTION 6 PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
WEIGHT AND BALANCE PA-31T, CHEYENNE

THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

REPORT: 2210 ISSUED: SEPTEMBER 14, 1979

6-20