Weight & Balance for Piper PA-24 Comanche 260

data (including weight and balance and required supplements) are recorded in this Handbook. APPLICABILITY Application of the information contained in this Handbook is limited to the specific group of Piper PA-24-250 airplanes as designated on the title page of this Handbook. NOTICE TO ALL PILOTS This Handbook is intended to be used as a guide for the pilot in the operation of the airplane. It is not meant to be a substitute for adequate and competent flight instruction. Information contained herein is designed to provide the pilot with a general knowledge of the airplane, and specific suggested Normal and Emergency Operating Procedures. It is intended to promote safety and is presented to enable the pilot to form, in advance, a plan of action for coping with the most probable situations that could occur in the operation of the airplane. Assurance that the aircraft is maintained in an airworthy condition is the responsibility of the owner. The pilot-in-command is responsible for determining that the aircraft is safe for flight. SCOPE This Handbook is divided into 10 numbered sections. Each section can be equipped with a tab divider for easier access to information that may be required in flight. With few exceptions, information presented herein does not consider any modifications that may have been made to the original aircraft. Section 1 is information of General interest. The information presented is an overview of basic physical data, and performance specifications. Included also is an extensive glossary to clarify specific terms, some of which have conflicting usage or definitions that are different from contemporary usage. A table of conversion factors is included to address international usage and distribution. Section 2 is operating Limitations. This section of the Handbook includes material required to be furnished to the pilot by Federal Aviation Regulations. Section 2 is the FAA approved part of this Handbook, and constitutes the Airplane Flight Manual. The pilot is by law responsible for remaining within the operating limitations as directed by instrument markings and placards located in the airplane and outlined in this section. Section 3 is Emergency Procedures. This section can be equipped with a red tab divider for instant identification. The procedures are suggested as a course of action for coping with the particular condition described, but are not intended to be a substitute for sound judgment and common sense. It is recommended that the pilot review standard emergency procedures periodically with a Certified Flight Instructor to remain proficient in them. Section 4 is Normal Procedures. This section can be equipped with a blue tab divider for instant identification. The procedures are intended as a source of reference and review, and to provide information on procedures that are not the same for all PA-24 aircraft. All of the procedures necessary for operation, as determined by the design features of the airplane, are present. Copyright: 1993 & 1996 Page VI Aircraft Publications 9 Piper Comanche 250 (1958 - 1960 Model) Section - 0 Preamble Section 5 is airplane Performance. The information presented in this section is based on measured flight test data provided by Piper Aircraft. The data is presented in tabular and/or graphical form to illustrate the effect of different variables. A flight planning example is given which utilizes this data. Section 6 is Weight and Balance. A procedure for calculating the weight and moment as well as a list of all equipment is provided. The aircraft owner can obtain the aid of an A&P mechanic to fill in this section with proper data. The pilot must ensure that the airplane is loaded within the approved weight and balance envelope before takeoff. Section 7 is Systems Description. This section provides a text type description of the operation of the airplane's controls and its systems. Some equipment described within this part is optional. Section 8 is Maintenance information. Recommended procedures for routine care and servicing of the aircraft are outlined in this section. Section 9 is Supplemental information. This section covers miscellaneous information and optional equipment installed on the aircraft. Section 10 is Safety Information. This section covers general information related to the safe and efficient operation of any aircraft. REVISIONS Immediately following the title page of this Handbook are the "Log of Revisions" pages. When a revision to any information in this Handbook is made by the publisher, a new Log of Revisions will be issued. All revisions must be retained in the Handbook to provide a current record until a reissue is made. Revisions to Section 2 will be FAA approved prior to issue. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to express my gratitude to the many contributors to this Handbook for their advice, criticism and encouragement. I particularly want to recognize former ICS President Bill Creech, and ICS Technical Director Maurice Taylor, for without their leadership this Handbook would never have become a reality. I also want to acknowledge the International Comanche Society for their support. Keep the Spirit! RAJAL Douglas Killough, ICS 7248 REFERENCES Advanced Pilot's Flight Manual - Kershner Aerodynamics For Naval Aviators - Hurt Piper Comanche Owner's Handbook Hartzell Propeller Owner's Manual Piper Comanche Service Manual Aircraft Specification No. 1A15 Lycoming Flyer Key Reprints Jane's Aerospace Dictionary - Gunston Piper Report 1058 - British Airplane Flight Manual Piper Report 1000 - Substantiation of Model PA-24 Piper Report 997 - PA-24"250" Airplane Flight Manual Flight Training Handbook - US Department of Transportation Lycoming Operator's Manual - O-540 Series Aircraft Engines Airplane Performance Stability and Control - Perkins and Hage McCauley Propeller Owner's Manual Copyright: 1993 & 1996 Page VII Aircraft Publications Piper Comanche 250 (1958 - 1960 Model) Section 0 Preamble PILOT'S OPERATING HANDBOOKS AVAILABLE FOR THE COMANCHE This Handbook is one of sixteen modern format, GAMA style, manuals available for the Piper Comanche and Twin Comanche. The table below is provided to allow the owner to identify by year, model and serial number which Handbook is appropriate for each version of the airplane. This Handbook is applicable ONLY to aircraft shown in bold type. Singles: Manual Model Gross Number Weight Year(s) Mfg. Flight Manual Report Number SN Begin SN End 01.) 180 2550 1957-64 1047 24-1 3687 02.) 250 2800 1958-60 997 103 2298 03.) 250 2900 1961 1127 2299 2843 04.) 250 2900 1962-64 1179 2844 3687 05.) 250 2900 1962-64 1220 (FI) 2844 3687 06.) 260 2900 1965 1334 4000 4299 07.) 260 2900 1965 1333 (Carb) 4000 4299 08.) 260B 3100 1966-68 1359 4300 4803 09.) 260B 3100 1966-68 1358 (Carb) 4300 4803 10.) 260C 3200 1969-72 1545 4804 5028 11.) 260T 3200 1970-72 1640 (Turbo) 4901 5028 12.) 400 3600 1964-65 1295 26-3 148 Twins: Manual Model Gross Year(s) Flight Manual SN SN Number Weight Mfg. Report Number Begin End 13.) PA30 3600 14.) PA30T 3725 1963-68 1969 1964-68 1269 30-2 1744 1515 1745 2000 1269 (Turbo) 143 1744 15.) PA39 16.) 3600 PA39T 3725 1969 1970-72 1515 (Turbo) 1745 2000 1605 39-1 155 1970-72 1605 (Turbo) 1 155 Copyright: 1993 & 1996 Published By: Aircraft Publications Austin, Texas Page VIII Aircraft Publications Piper Comanche 250 (1958 - 1960 Model) The superior pilot uses his superior judgment to avoid those situations which require the use of his superior skill. Copyright: 1993 & 1996 Section - 0 Preamble Frank Borman Commander: Gemini 7; Apollo 8 President: Eastern Airlines Page IX Aircraft Publications Piper Comanche 250 (1958-1960 Model) SECTION 1 - GENERAL PA-24-250 * 2800 LBS GROSS WEIGHT Table of Contents Figure 1-01 Three View Drawing Airframe Engine 1-2 1-3 1-3 Propellers 1-3 Airframe Dimensions 1-4 Cabin and Entry Dimensions 1-4 Wing Classification and Specific Loadings 1-4 Weights 1-4 Capacities 1-4 Fuel and Oil Consumption 1-5 Performance 1-5 Operating Speeds 1-5 Endurance/Range 56 Gallons 1-5 Endurance/Range 86 Gallons 1-5 Rate of Climb 1-5 Climb Gradient 1-5 Stall Speeds 1-6 Short Field Performance 1-6 Service Ceiling 1-6 Absolute Ceiling 1-6 Symbols, Abbreviations and Terminology 1-7 Alert Notations 1-7 Glossary 1-7 V Speeds 1-15 Conversion Factors .............. 1-18 Copyright: 1993 & 1996 Section - 1 General Page 1-1 Aircraft Publications Piper Comanche 250 (1958 - 1960 Model) THREE VIEW - COMANCHE PA-24-250 WING AREA 178 SQ FT MINIMUM TURNING RADIUS - 28.5 FT {FROM PIVOT POINT TO WING TIP ) DIAMETER 77" GROUND CLEARANCE 11" THRUST CENTERLINE 6'7" 9'10" 12'6" 24' 10" 9'3" 6'3" STATION 65.5" 36'0" STATIC GROUND LINE FIGURE 1-01 Copyright: 1993 & 1996 Page 1-2 43'3"-► Section 1 General Aircraft Publications Piper Comanche 250 (1958-1960 Model) Manufacturer Type Designation Construction Serial Number Registration Number Year Model Manufacturer Serial Number Model Type Ratings (bhp @ rpm) Bore Stroke Displacement Compression Ratio TBO Carburetor Manufacturer Model Manufacturer Serial Number Hub Model Blade Model Number of Blades Governor Туре Diameter Pitch (30 in Station) Option: Manufacturer .......... GENERAL PA-24-250 * 2800 LBS GROSS WEIGHT AIRFRAME ENGINE PROPELLERS Section - 1 General Piper Comanche PA-24-250 Semi-Monocoque 24-503 N54488 1959 Lycoming O-540-A Six-Cylinder Horizontally Opposed 250/2575 5.125 in 4.375 in 541.5 cu in 8.5 to 1 2,000 hr Marvel-Schebler MA-4-5 Hartzell HC-82XK-1D or HC-A2XK-1 8433-7 2 Hartzell B-4-2 Constant-Speed / Hydraulically Actuated 77 in 14.5 to 33.0 Degrees Serial Number Hub Model Blade Model Number of Blades Governor Type Diameter Pitch (30 in Station) Copyright: 1993 & 1996 McCauley 2D36C28/80MM-6 D-2286/80MM-6 2 Woodward A210185 Constant-Speed Hydraulically Actuated 74 in 15.7 to 32.0 Degrees Page 1-3 Aircraft Publications Piper Comanche 250 (1958 - 1960 Model) Section - 1 General AIRFRAME DIMENSIONS Length Height Wing Span 24.9 ft 7.3 ft 36.0 ft Wheel Base Wheel Tread 6.5 ft 9.8 ft CABIN AND ENTRY DIMENSIONS Cabin Length Cabin Height 9.0 ft 47 in Cabin Width Cabin Entry Height Cabin Entry Width 45 in 32 in 34 in Baggage Compartment Entry Height and Width Baggage Compartment Volume 20 x 20 in 20 cu ft Wing Type WING CLASSIFICATION AND SPECIFIC LOADINGS Laminar Flow 642 A215 5 Degrees (Zero Twist) 7.3 NACA Designation Wing Dihedral Wing Aspect Ratio Wing Area Wing Loading Power Loading WEIGHTS 178 sq ft 15.7 lb/sq ft 11.2 lb/bhp Maximum Takeoff Weight 2,800 lb Maximum Landing Weight 2,800 lb Standard Empty Weight 1,600 lb Maximum Useful Load 1,200 lb Maximum Useful Load - With Basic Fuel and Oil (60 US gal) 840 lb CAPACITIES Seats Baggage Capacity Fuel Capacity Fuel Grade Oil Capacity Normal Quantity Minimum Safe Quantity Oil Grade Tire Pressure (lbs psi) Copyright: 1993 & 1996 4 200 lb 60 US gal - 56 Usable 91/96 - 100 LL (blue) Aviation Gasoline 12 US qts 9-10 US qts 2-3/4 US qts MIL-L-22851C Nose 27 Mains 42 Page 1-4