Piper PA-39 Twin Comanche C/R Pilot's Operating Handbook

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! Douglas Killough, ICS 7248 REFERENCES PA-30 & Multi-Engine Flying - Fuchs Piper Twin Comanche C/R Owner's Handbook Jane's Aerospace Dictionary - Gunston Advanced Pilot's Flight Manual - Kershner Piper Report 1284 - British Airplane Flight Manual Aerodynamics For Naval Aviators - Hurt Piper Report 1000 - Substantiation of Model PA-24 Piper Twin Comanche Service Manual Piper Report 1605 - PA-39 Airplane Flight Manual Hartzell Propeller Owner's Manual Lycoming Operator's Manual - IO-320 Series Aircraft Engines Aircraft Specification No. A1EA Airplane Performance Stability and Control - Perkins and Hage Lycoming Flyer Key Reprints Flight Training Handbook - US Department of Transportation Copyright: 1995 & 1996 Page VII Aircraft Publications Piper Twin Comanche PA 39 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 SN SN Report Number Begin 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 1963-68 1269 30-2 1744 1969 1515 1745 2000 14.) PA30T 3725 1964-68 1269 (Turbo) 143 1744 1969 1515 (Turbo) 1745 2000 15.) PA39 3600 1970-72 1605 39-1 155 16.) PA39T 3725 1970-72 1605 (Turbo) 1 155 Copyright: 1995 & 1996 Published By: Aircraft Publications Austin, Texas Page VIII C し Aircraft Publications Piper Twin Comanche PA 39 Section - 1 General THREE VIEW - TWIN COMANCHE PA-39 WING AREA - 178 SQ FT MINIMUM TURNING RADIUS - 28.5 FT { FROM PIVOT POINT TO WING TIP | DIAMETER 72" GROUND CLEARANCE 11" 12'6" 7'4" 9' 10". 25'2" 9'3" 6'3" LONGITUDINAL STATION 65.5" LATERAL STATION 97.0" 36'0" STATIC GROUND LINE m FIGURE 1-01 Copyright: 1995 & 1996 Page 1-2 Aircraft Publications Piper Twin Comanche PA 39 Manufacturer Type Designation Construction Serial Number Registration Number Year Model Manufacturer Serial Number (Left).... Serial Number (Right) Model Type Ratings (bhp @ rpm) [ Bore Stroke Displacement Compression Ratio TBO Fuel Injector Manufacturer Model Manufacturer Serial Number (Left)..... Serial Number (Right) Hub Model Blade Model Number of Blades Governor Туре Diameter Pitch (30 in Station) Length Height Wing Span Wheel Base Wheel Tread Copyright: 1995 & 1996 GENERAL PA-39 * 3600 LBS GROSS WEIGHT AIRFRAME ENGINES PROPELLERS Section - 1 General Piper Twin Comanche PA-39 Semi-Monocoque Lycoming IO-320-B and LIO-320-B Four-Cylinder Horizontally Opposed 160/2700 5.125 in 3.875 in 319.8 cu in 8.5 to 1 2,000 hr Bendix RSA 5AD1 Hartzell HC-E2YL-2B and HC-E2YL-2BL 7663-4 and J7663-4 2 Hartzell F-6-3A and F-6-3 AL Constant-Speed / Hydraulically Actuated / Full Feathering 72 in 12.0 to 77.0 Degrees AIRFRAME DIMENSIONS 25.2 ft 8.2 ft 36.0 ft 7.3 ft 9.8 ft Page 1-3 Aircraft Publications Section - 1 Piper Twin Comanche PA 39 General CABIN AND ENTRY DIMENSIONS Cabin Length Cabin Height Cabin Width 9.0 ft 47 in 45 in Cabin Entry Height Cabin Entry Width Baggage Compartment Entry Height and Width Baggage Compartment Volume 32 in 34 in 19 x 21 in 20 cu ft Wing Type WING CLASSIFICATION AND SPECIFIC LOADINGS Laminar Flow 642 A215 5 Degrees (Zero Twist) NACA Designation Wing Dihedral Wing Aspect Ratio Wing Area Wing Loading Power Loading WEIGHTS € Maximum Takeoff Weight Maximum Landing Weight [ Standard Empty Weight Maximum Useful Load E L Maximum Useful Load - With Basic Fuel and Oil (60 US gal) Maximum Useful Load - With Internal Reserve Fuel (30 US gal) Gross Weight (With Tip Tanks Installed) Maximum Useful Load - With Tip Tank Reserve Fuel (30 US gal) CAPACITIES 7.3 178 sq ft 20.2 lb/sq ft 11.3 lb/bhp 3,600 lb 3,600 lb 2,270 lb 1,330 lb 970 lb 790 lb 3,725 lb 735 lb Seats Baggage Capacity Basic Fuel Capacity Internal Reserve Fuel Capacity Tip Reserve Fuel Capacity (If Installed) Fuel Grade Oil Capacity (Each Engine) Normal Quantity Minimum Safe Quantity Oil Grade Tire Pressure (lbs psi) 4 (Optional 6 ) 250 lb 60 US gal - 54 Usable - 30 US gal 30 Usable 30 US gal - 30 Usable 100/130 (green) - 100 LL (blue) Aviation Gasoline 8 US qts 6-7 US qts 2 US qts MIL-L-22851C Nose 42 Mains 42 Copyright: 1995 & 1996 Page 1-4 Aircraft Publications Piper Twin Comanche PA39 Fuel Flow @ 75% Power FUEL AND OIL CONSUMPTION Fuel Flow @ 65% Power Fuel Flow @ 55% Power Fuel Flow@ 45% Power Oil Consumption (Typical) PERFORMANCE Section - 1 General 17.2 gph/103.2 pph 15.2 gph/ 91.2 pph 13.4 gph/ 80.4 pph 11.2 gph/ 67.2 pph 0.40 to 0.50 US qts/hr 1.) Operating Speeds: Maximum Speed Cruise @ 75% Power @ 8,000 ft Cruise @ 65% Power @ 12,000 ft Cruise @ 55% Power @ 16,000 ft Cruise @ 45% Power @ 16,000 ft 205 mph 178 kt 194 mph 169 kt 186 mph 162 kt 172 mph 149 kt 150 mph 130 kt 2.) Endurance/Range 54 Gallons: € At 75% Power 2.9 hr 489 nm 563 sm 906 km At 65% Power 3.3 hr 534 nm 614 sm 988 km At 55% Power 3.8 hr 568 nm 654 sm 1,052 km [ At 45% Power 4.5 hr 587 nm 675 sm 1,086 km 3.) Endurance/Range 84 Gallons: At 75% Power 4.6 hr 775 nm 892 sm 1,435 km E At 65% Power 5.2 hr 840 nm 967 sm 1,556 km At 55% Power 5.9 hr 882 nm 1,015 sm 1,633 km At 45% Power 7.0 hr ---- 912 nm 1,050 sm 1,689 km L 4.) Endurance/Range 114 Gallons: (With Tip Tanks Installed) At 75% Power At 65% Power At 55% Power At 45% Power 6.2 hr - 1,045 nm 1,203 sm 1,936 km - 7.0 hr 1,131 nm 1,302 sm 2,095 km 8.0 hr 1,196 nm 1,376 sm 2,214 km 9.5 hr 1,238 nm 1,425 sm 2,293 km ** NOTE ** Range and endurance figures include an allowance for fuel used during start, taxi, takeoff, climb, and descent plus 45 minutes reserve fuel at a reduced power setting to obtain maximum range (VIMR) or maximum endurance (VIMD) as applicable. Mixture setting is best economy cruise. Copyright: 1995 & 1996 Page 1-5 E E Aircraft Publications Piper Twin Comanche PA 39 PERFORMANCE (Cont.) 5.) Rate of Climb: Section - 1 General Multi-Engine at 3,600 lbs Gross Weight Multi-Engine at 2,800 lbs Gross Weight Single-Engine at 3,600 lbs Gross Weight 6.) Climb Gradient: Multi-Engine at 3,600 lbs Gross Weight Multi-Engine at 2,800 lbs Gross Weight Single-Engine at 3,600 lbs Gross Weight 7.) Stall Speeds: Full Flaps and Gear Extended Clean 8.) Short Field Performance: Takeoff Distance, Ground Run (15 Degrees of Flap) Total Over a 50 ft Obstacle Landing Distance, Ground Roll (Full Flaps) Total Over a 50 ft Obstacle 9.) Accelerate-Stop Distance: 15 Degrees of Flap (VмCA = 80 mph) 10.) Service Ceiling: Multi-Engine at 3,600 lbs Gross Weight Multi-Engine at 2,800 lbs Gross Weight Single-Engine at 3,600 lbs Gross Weight 11.) Absolute Ceiling: Multi-Engine at 3,600 lbs Gross Weight Multi-Engine at 2,800 lbs Gross Weight Single-Engine at 3,600 lbs Gross Weight 1,460 ft/min 2,050 ft/min 260 ft/min 903 ft/nm 1,268 ft/nm 171 ft/nm 70 mph 61 kt 76 mph 66 kt ་་་་་་་་་་་་་ 940 ft 1,530 ft 700 ft 1,870 ft 2,470 ft 18,600 ft 20,600 ft 5,800 ft 20,000 ft 22,000 ft 7,100 ft ** NOTE ** The maximum approved altitude for the normally aspirated Twin Comanche is FL 200. Unless otherwise specified, all performance figures are based on standard day, standard atmosphere, gross weight, sea level, no wind conditions. Copyright: 1995 & 1996 Page 1-6 C Aircraft Publications Piper Twin Comanche PA 39 SYMBOLS, ABBREVIATIONS AND TERMINOLOGY 1.) Alert Notations: ** NOTE ** ** CAUTION ** ** WARNING ** An operating procedure or practice which it is essential to emphasize. Section - 1 General An operating procedure or practice which if not strictly observed will result in damage to equipment. An operating procedure or practice which if not carefully followed will result in personal injury or loss of life. E € 2.) Glossary: The following is an alphabetical listing of terminology used in this Handbook and other Piper literature for the Comanche. It includes precise definitions of terms used in: meteorology, engine and power plant operation, weight and balance computations, aircraft performance and flight planning, and terms of general aviation usage. Absolute Altitude The actual height of an aircraft above the surface of the ground, as read by a radar altimeter. Absolute Ceiling The highest altitude an aircraft can obtain. Vx and Vy meet at the absolute ceiling, and any airspeed above or below this speed will result in a loss of altitude. Accelerate-Go Distance The distance required to accelerate a multi-engine aircraft to a specified speed and, assuming engine failure at the instant that speed is attained, feather the propeller on the inoperative engine and continue the takeoff to a height of 50 feet AGL. Accelerate-Stop Distance The distance required to accelerate an aircraft to lift-off velocity and, assuming engine failure at the instant that speed is attained, to bring the aircraft to a complete stop in the shortest possible distance on the runway. AD Airworthiness Directive - A notice issued by the FAA for the purpose of amending the certification of an aircraft. A&P Mechanic Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic - An aircraft mechanic who is certified by the FAA to perform certain maintenance and inspections. Arm The horizontal distance from the reference datum to the center of gravity of an item. Basic Empty Weight The standard empty weight of the aircraft plus the weight of unusable fuel and all optional equipment that is installed on the aircraft. Original Piper documentation included engine oil in this figure in the twin, but not the single-engine, Comanche. Best Glide (Endurance) The engine-out airspeed which results in the greatest time aloft in a glide. Copyright: 1995 & 1996 Page 1-7 Aircraft Publications Piper Twin Comanche PA 39 Section - 1 General F E C C SYMBOLS, ABBREVIATIONS AND TERMINOLOGY (Cont.) Best Glide (Optimum) The engine-out airspeed which results in the best glide ratio. BHP Brake Horsepower - The power developed at the propeller shaft of the engine measured in customary US units. BMEP Brake Mean Effective Pressure - The average pressure inside the cylinder of a reciprocating engine during the power stroke, measured in the customary units of pounds per square inch. Used as an index for a majority of items of engine output, efficiency and operating limitations. Bootstrap System A dynamic feedback system whereby an increase in the input power causes an increase in the system output, which is returned to the input, which again affects the output, etc. A bootstrap system is inherently unstable and requires slow and smooth control operation. CAS Calibrated Airspeed - The indicated airspeed of an aircraft corrected for position and instrument error. C.G. Center of Gravity - The point at which an aircraft would balance if suspended. Also, the point at which the longitudinal, lateral and vertical axes all converge, and through which the resultant force of gravity acts. Its distance from the reference datum is found by dividing the total moment by the total weight of the aircraft. C.G. Arm Center of Gravity Arm - The arm obtained by adding the aircraft's individual moments and dividing by the total weight. C.G. Limits Center of Gravity Limits - The extreme center of gravity locations within which the aircraft must be operated at a given weight. CHT Cylinder Head Temperature - Temperature of an engine measured by a thermocouple device installed at the cylinder head to determine engine cooling. CID Cubic Inch Displacement - The volume of the cylinders of an internal combustion engine, measured in customary US units. Equal to the area of the bore multiplied by the stroke times the number of cylinders. Climb Gradient The ratio of change in altitude during a portion of a climb to the horizontal distance traversed in a given time interval. Climb Gradient is measured in feet per nautical mile and equal to the rate of climb in feet per minute, times 60, divided by ground speed in knots. Compressor A centrifugal air pump connected directly to the turbine, the purpose of which is to increase the density of air to the induction system. Critical Altitude The maximum altitude at which a normally aspirated engine can produce a given horsepower, or a turbocharged engine can produce sea level power. Copyright: 1995 & 1996 Page 1-8 a C Aircraft Publications Piper Twin Comanche PA 39 Section - 1 General E SYMBOLS, ABBREVIATIONS AND TERMINOLOGY (Cont.) Crosswind Component The wind component measured in knots at 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the runway. Deck Pressure The induction system pressure measured downstream of the turbo-compressor and upstream of the engine throttle valve. Demonstrated Crosswind Velocity The velocity of the crosswind component for which adequate control of the aircraft during takeoff and landing has actually been demonstrated. FAA Regulation requires this value to be equal to 30 percent of V so. The value shown is not considered to be limiting. Density Altitude Pressure altitude corrected for non-standard temperature variations. DMCR Designated Manufacturer's Certification Representative - An individual working for a manufacturer who has been authorized by the FAA to inspect and certify the item produced by the manufacturer as meeting all federal requirements. DOA Delegation Option Authorization - A document issued by the FAA authorizing an aircraft manufacturer to conduct its own aircraft type certification. EGT Exhaust Gas Temperature - Temperature measured in the exhaust manifold and used to determine air-fuel ratio. ELT Emergency Locator Transmitter - A self-contained radio transmitter that is automatically activated by the force of an impact between 5 and 7 gs. When activated it emits an omni- directional signal on the international distress frequencies of 121.5 and 243.0 MHz. Its purpose is to aid in the location of a downed aircraft. Empty Weight As Weighed The actual weight of an aircraft taken from scale readings, less the weight of any tare. This figure includes unusable fuel, oil and any other fluids for normal operation. Original Piper documentation didn't necessarily include all of these items, and in such cases, these items are added mathematically in weight and balance computations. FAA Federal Aviation Administration - An agency of the Department of Transportation responsible for maintaining safe and efficient use of the nation's airspace by both military and civil aviators, for fostering civil aeronautics and air commerce, and for supporting national defense. The FAA was formed from the Civil Aeronautics Authority (CAA) in 1958. FAI Federation Aeronautique Internationale - An organization of eighty nations with headquarters in Paris, France. Founded in 1905, it is the sole international authority responsible for sanctioning all world class aviation and space records. FCC Federal Communications Commission - A governmental board of seven members appointed by the President under authority of the Communications Act of 1934. The FCC has the responsibility of regulating the nation's communications and licensing of radio transmitters operated within the United States. Copyright: 1995 & 1996 Page 1-9 E Aircraft Publications Piper Twin Comanche PA 39 SYMBOLS, ABBREVIATIONS AND TERMINOLOGY (Cont.) Section 1 General FL Flight Level - A level of constant atmospheric pressure related to a reference datum of 29.92 inches of mercury. Each level is stated in three digits that represent hundreds of feet. Flight levels are used in the high altitude route system. Full Cantilever Wing A wing that requires no external bracing. All of the load of the structure is carried by internal spars, ribs and stringers. GA unit of force of linear, angular and centrifugal acceleration (or deceleration) measured relative to the force of gravity. One g at sea level is equal to acceleration at the rate of 32.174 feet per second squared, or 9.807 meters per second squared. GADO General Aviation District Office - An FAA field office serving a designated geographical area and staffed with flight standards personnel who have the responsibility of serving the aviation industry and the general public on all matters relating to the certification and operation of general aviation aircraft. GAMA General Aviation Manufacturers Association - National trade organization representing manufacturers of aircraft, engines, avionics and related equipment. Responsible for establishing specifications for aircraft safety and pilot education. Glide Ratio The ratio of the forward distance an aircraft travels to the vertical distance it descends when it is operating without power. GPH Gallons Per Hour - The amount of fuel (in US gallons) consumed by the aircraft's engine each hour. Gross Weight The maximum allowable weight for an aircraft. Also used to refer to the total of the basic empty weight plus the weight of fuel, oil and payload when the total of these is less than the maximum allowable gross weight. Ground Boosting Use of a turbocharger to boost the horsepower of a reciprocating engine beyond the sea level rating. GS Ground Speed - The speed of an aircraft relative to the ground and equal to true airspeed in no wind. GUMP Acronym for: Gas, Undercarriage, Mixture, Propeller(s). Used as a memory aid on landing a retractable gear airplane. IA Mechanic Inspection Authorized Mechanic - A rating issued by the FAA to A&P mechanics that allows them to perform Annual and Progressive Inspections. This rating also gives them the authority to return an aircraft to service after an inspection or a major repair. IAS Indicated Airspeed - The uncorrected airspeed of an aircraft as shown directly on the airspeed indicator. Copyright: 1995 & 1996 Page 1-10