Aircraft Publications Section - 6

Piper Twin Comanche PA 30 Weight and Balance

WEIGHT AND BALANCE

PA-30 * 3400 LBS GROSS WEIGHT

INTRODUCTION

This section describes the procedure for caIcuIating the loaded weight and center of gravity of the
Twin Comanche for various flight operations. In addition, procedures are provided for re-
calculating the basic empty weight and center of gravity when removal and/or addition of
equipment results in changes to these values.

In order to achieve the performance and flying characteristics which aye designed into the
aircraft, it must be flown with the weight and center of gravity position within the approved
operating 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 this
flexibility comes responsibility. The pilot must insure that the airplane is within the loading
envelope before takeoff.

Misloading carries consequences for any aircraft. An overloaded airplane will not perform as
well, or as safely, as a properly loaded one. The heavier the airplane is loaded within the
approved limit, the less climb performance it will have, and the higher the stall speed will be.

Center of gravity is also a determining factor in any airplane's flight characteristics. If the C.G. is
coo far forward, it may be difficult to rotate for takeoff or flare for landing. Loading the airplane
so that the center of gravity is toward, but within, the aft C.G. limit will result in Iess drag, a
faster airplane and increased range. However, 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 reduced,
which can lead to inadvertent stalls and even spins. Spin recovery becomes more difficult, and
even impossible, as the center of gravity moves aft of the approved C.G. limit.

A properly loaded aircraft, by comparison, will perform as intended by its design. Before the
airplane is delivered, it is weighed, and a basic empty weight and C.G. location are computed.
Using this information, the pilot can easily determine the gross weight and C.G. location for the
loaded airplane. This is accomplished by computing the total weight and moment foIIowing the
example supplied in this section, and then determining whether they are within the approved
envelope.

The basic empty weight and center of gravity location are recorded in the actual weight and
baIance record supplied with the airplane when new. Whenever equipment is installed andlor
removed, or major modifications are made to the aircraft, the mechanic responsible for the work
is required to compute the new basic empty weight and C.G. location, and record these in the
aircraft logbook. The owner of the aircraft should make sure that this is done.

Copyright: 1993 & 1996 Page 6-2

 Section - 6
er Twin Comanche PA 30 Weight and BaIance

i AIRPLANE WTGRING PROCEDURE

Piper Aircrak Corporation provided each airpIane with the basic empty
The removal andor addition of equipment or aircraft modifications
affect the basic empty weight and center of gravity. The following procedure is used to re-
the basic empty weight and C.G. location.

A,) Be certain that all items checked in the equipment list are installed in the proper location
in the airplane.
'

R.) Remove excessive dirt, grease, moisture and foreign items such as rags and tools from
the airplane before weighing.

I C.) De-fuel the airplane, then add the unusable fuel (6.0 gallons total, 3.0 gallons to each
main tank). Fill engines with oil.

I).) Place pilot and copilot seats in a normal seating position (approximately the eighth notch
aft of full forward position). Put flaps in the fully retracted position and a11 controI surfaces
in the neutral position. Secure the tow bar in its proper location and close all doors.

I A,) With the airplane on scales, inflate main gear oleo pistons to the fully extended position.
B.) Level the airplane both laterally and longitudinally by deflating the tires to center the
bubble on the level. On serial numbers 30- 1 though 30-90 1 the longitudinal level point is
across the two machine screws above the baggage compartment door, and the lateral IeveI
point is located at the station 136.5 bulkhead in the baggage compartment. On serial numbers
30-902 and up the longitudinal level point is across the two machine screws on either side of
the right rear window, and the lateral level paint is the hat section channel of the forward
cabin bulkhead..
I -
Weighing Airplane Basic Empty Weight:
A.) Weigh the airplane inside a closed building to prevent errors in scaIe readings due to
wind,
B.) Wit11 the airplane level and the brakes released, record the weight shown on each scale.
Deduct the tare. if any, from each reading to determine the net weight. Basic empty weight is
the sum of a11 three readings.
) -
Calculation Basic Empty Weight Center of Gravity:
A.) The basic empty weight center of gravity can be determined by the following formula:
(See Figure 6-01)

I C.G. Arm = N(A)+(R+L)(B) Inches

Page 6-3
4ircraft Publications Scction - 6
?iper Twin Comanche PA 30 Weight and Balance

WETGHT AND BALANCE DATA AND RECORD

The basic empty weight of the airplane as delivered from the factory should be the first entry in
the data record below. This form is provided to present the current status of the airplane and a
complete history of previous modifications as shown in the aircraft logbook. Any subsequent
modification which affects weight or moment should be entered in the Weight and Balance
Record.
The information contained herein applies only to the specific Piper PA-30 airplane designated by
serial number and registration number in Section 1 (General) of this Manual.
W I G H T AND BALANCE DATA FORM
Date Description Wt Change Running Empty Wt
of Modification
Add+Sub- Wt Moment Arm Useful
Lbs in Load
Basic Empty Weight
As Delivered xxxx xxxx

Maximum Takeoff Weight ....................... . , .............................................................. 3,600 Ib

M~~irnctm Landing Weight ........................................................................................... 3.600 lb
Maximum Baggage (SN 30- 1 Through 30-90 1) ................... ..... ................... .
. . . .. 200 Ib
Maximum Baggage (SN 30-902 Through 30-2000) ...................... ,.... ..,. ..................... 250 Ib
Standard Empty Weight .............................................................................................. 2,207 Ib
Maximum Standard Useful Load .................................................................................... 1,393 lb
Basic Empty Weight ......................................................................................... lb
Maximum Useful Load (As Equipped) ....................... . . . .............................. Ib
Maximum Useful Load - With Basic Fuel and Oil (60 US gal) ........................... Ib
Maximum WsefuI Load - With Internal Reserve Fuel (30 US gal) ....................... Ib
Gross Weight (With Tip Tanks Installed) ................................................................... 3,725 lb
M~ximumUseful Load - With Tip Tank Reserve Fuel (30 US gal) ..................... lb

Copyright: 1993 $ 1996 Page 6-4

Aircraft Publications Section - 6
Piper Twin Comanche PA 30 Weight and Balance

CENTER OF GRAVTTY DATA

Basic Empty Measurement:

Center of Gravity (Aft of Datum) .............................................................................. in

Moment ..,.......................,
......................................................................... in lb
Moment Increase With Landing Gear Retracted ..................................................... 770.0 in lb

a1 Category.

Weight Arm Forward L h i t Arm Rearward Limit

Pounds Inches Afi of Dahun Inches Aft of Datum

3,725 *
3,600
3,200
2,450 or Less

** NOTE **

* Any weight in excess of 3,600 pounds must consist of symmetrically loaded fuel in the tip
tanks.

Straight line variation exists between the points given.

When using auxiliary fuel, use wing tip tank fuel first.

Datum is located 79 inches ahead of the wing leading edge. It is measured longitudinally from
station 65.5 and laterally from spanwise station 97.0 (First leading skin lap outboard of engine
nacelle).

STATIONS

(Arm Aft of Datum)

. . . . .................................................................................... 51.0 in
Engine Oil .......................
Front Seat Passengers ..................................................................................................... 84.8in
Basic Fuel - Inboard Tanks ............................................................................................ 90.0 in
Reserve Fuel - Outboard Tanks ........................................................................................ 95.0 in
Reserve Fuel - Tip Tanks (If Installed) ..............................................................................90.5 in
Center Seat Passengers (SN 30- 1 Through 30-589) ............................................... 1 1 8.5 in
Center Seat Passengers (SN 30-590 Through 30-2000) ................................................ 120,5 in
Baggage Compartment ................................................................................................. 142.0 in
5th and 6th Seat Passengers (If Installed) .....................,..............................................148.0 in

Copyright: 1993 & 1996 Page 6-5

Aircraft Publications Section - 6
Piper Twin Comanche PA 30 Weight and Balance

WEIGHT AND BALANCE DETERMINATION FOR FLIGHT

1.) Use of the Weight and Balance Plotter:

A weight and balance plotter is available for the Twin Comanche, and greatly simplifies loading
of the aircraft. The plotter was originally produced by Piper, and supplied with each airplane.
When factory stock of the pIotter was depleted, a reproduction was made available through the
International Comanche Society. This second source is also exhausted, so no new plotter is
available as of the publication date of this Manual.

The beginning reference point of the weight and balance plotter is the basic empty weight and
C.G. of the airplane. This information can be obtained from the airplane logbook, and should be
recorded in the "Weight and Balance Data Form" section of this chapter.

The term "basicempty weight" as it is used in this Manual includes unusable fuel and full engine
oil. Original weight and balance data supplied with the PA-30 was "empty weight", and the
additional weight and moment of unusable fuel and engine oil must be added to obtain the
beginning reference point on the plotter.

Directions for use are on the face of the plotter. If a plotter is not available, the weight and
balance can be determined manually by using the information contained herein.

2.) Manuat Method of Determining Weight and Balance:

A.) Add the weight of all items to be loaded to the airplane's basic empty weight.

B.) Multiply the weight of each item by the stations arm to determine the moment of all
items.

C.) Add the moment of all items to be loaded to the basic empty weight moment.

O.) Divide the total moment by the total weight to determine the C.G. location with landing
gear extended.

E.) Add the moment increase with landing gear retracted.

F.) Divide the new total mornent by the total weight to determine the C.G. location with
landing gear retracted.

6.) Determine that total weight and C.G. meet weight and balance requirements.

Copyright: 1993 & 1996

Ainrafr Publications Section - 6
Piper Twin Comanche PA 30 Weight and Balance

LOADING PROBLEM EXAMPLE

Item Weight Arm Moment
(lbs) (AftofDatum) (inlb)
Empty Weight as Weighted at Factory 2,386.0 83.6 19948 1.G
Engine Oil (16 US qts) 30,O 52.0 1520.0
-
Unusable Fuel (Inboard Tanks 6 US gal) 36.0 90.0 3240.0
Basic EmpQ Weight 2,452.4 83.3 204251.6
Fuel (Inboard Tanks - 54 US gal)
Fuel (Outboard Tanks - 30 US gal)
Pilot and Passenger (Front Seats)
Passengers (Center Seats)
Passengers (5th and 6th Seats)
Baggage
Total 3,545.0 88.2 3 12800.1
Fuel (Tip Tanks - 30 US gal - If Installed) 180.0 90.5 16290.0
Total 3,725.0 88.3 329090.1

Moment Increase With Landing Gear Retracted .................................................... 770.0

Total 3,725.0 88.6 329860.1

SAMPLE LOADING PROBLEM
Item Weight Am Moment
(lbs) (AfiofDaturn) (inlb)
Basic Empty Weight
FueI (Inboard T& - 54 US gal Usable) 90.0
Fuel (Outboard Tanks - 30 US gal Usable) 95.0
Pilot and Passenger (Front Seats) 84.8
*Passengers (Center Seats - SN 30-1 to 30-589) 118.5
Passengers (Center Seats - SN 30-590 and Up) 120.5
Passengers (5th and 6th Seats - 235 lb Max) 148.0
Baggage (200 or 250 lb Capacity) 142.0
TotaI (3600 lb Maximum Allowable]
Fuel (Tip Tanks - 30 US gal - If Installed) 90.5
Total (3725 Ib Maximum AllowabIe) -
Moment Increase With Landing Gear Retracted ................... .
..................... . . . . 770.0
Total
** NOTE **
1001130 Octane Fuel Density is Calibrated at: ..................................... .., 6.00 lbdgaI (0.72 kg&)
100 LL Fuel Density is Calibrated at: ................................................... 5.82 Ibs/gal (0.70 kgL)
Ashless Dispersant Oil Density i s CaIibrated at: ............. '1.875 lbs/qt or 7.50lbs/gal(0.90 k g L )

Copyright: I993 & 1996 Page 6-7

Aircraft Pub1 ications -
Section 6
Piper Twin Comanche PA 30 Weight and Balance

EQUIPMENT LIST
Mark Weight Arm Moment
if (Ibs) (Aftof (inlb)
InstaIItd Datum)
1.) Engines:
One or Two Lycoming Model 10-32043 293.0 ea.
One Lycoming Model LIO-320-B (fight) - 293 .O

2.) PropeIlers and Accessories:

Two Hartzell Constant Speed, FuII Feathering
Model HC-E2YL-2,2A, 2B, 2C or 2D
With HC-7663-4 Blades or One Model
HC-E2YL-2BL With 57663-4 Blades (Right) 54.5 ea.
Governors - Hartzell Model F-6, F-6-3
7-6-3A, or F-6-3s (Left) or F-6-3A.L (Right) 4.4 ea.
NO Spinner Domes and Bulkhead Adapters 4.0 ea.
3.) Engine Accessories:
Two Fuel Pumps - Aux. Electric, Rotary
One WeIdon No. 8 1 00A (R) and
One Weldon No. 8100AA (L) or - 3.0 ea.
One WeIdon No. 8 100C (U)and
One Weldon No. 8 100CC (L) or - 3.0 ea.
One Weldon No. I38100C (R) and
One Weldon No. B8 100CC (L) 3.0 ea.
Two FueI Pumps - Engine Driven
AC JT Model No. 5656696-A - 2.0 ea.
AC JT h.lodel No. 6440 160 2.0 ea.
AC ST Model No. 6440296 2.0 m
AC JT Model No. 6440652 2.0 ea.
AC JT Model No. GP5656994 - 2.0 ea.
Two Oil Radiators
Harrison Model No. AP07AUO6-03 2.1 ea.
Two Starters
Delco Remy 12 Volt, Model No. 1 1095 1 1 or
Model No. I 1-1 923 (Right) 18.0 ea.
Prestolite 12 VoIt, Model No. MZ-4206 - 18.0 ea.
Two Vacuum Pumps
Airborne Mechanisms Model No.
1 13A8, or 200CC (L) or 200CW (R) - 3.5 ea.
Two Full Flow Oil FiIters W/Adapters
AC No. 5578941 or Lycoming 75528 - 2.5 ea.
AC No. 5578770 or Lycorning 7491 1 2.5 ea.
AC No. 5578770 or Lycoming 77853 - 2.5 ea.
Two Induction Air Filters
Frarn Model No. CA- 2 44-PL 0.7 ea.
Two 15 Gal Brittah Tip Tanks STC SA727WE 25 .O
Copyright: 1493 & 1996 Page 6-8
Aircraft Pwblications Section - G
Piper Twin Comanche PA 30 Weight and Balance

EQUIPMENT LIST (Cont.)

Mark Weight Arm Moment
If (lbs) (AR of (in Ib)
TnstaIIed Datum)
4.) Landing Gear:

Two Main Wheel Brake Assemblies

6:00 X 6 Type III
Wheel, Cleveland 40-34
Brake, CleveIand 30-23 10.6 ea.
6:OO X 6 Type 111
WheeI, Cleveland 40-90
Brake, CleveImd 30-23 10.6 ea.
Two Main Wheel Tires (WITubes) 9.4 ea.
One Nose Wheel 6:00 X 6 Type I11
Wheel, CIeveland 38501 (Less Drum) 6.4
One Nose Wheel Tire (WITube) 9.4

5.) Electrical Equipment:

Generator
Delco Remy 12 Volt - 50 Ampere
Dual Generators
Delco Remy 12 Volt - 50 Ampere
Dual Alternators
Prestolite 12 Volt - 70 Ampere
Battery - Forward Mount
12 Volt - 35 Ampere How
Battery - Afi Mount
12 VoIt - 35 Ampere Hour
Two Landing Lights
GE Model 4509 1.0 ea.
Rotating Beacon
Whelen No. WRA/IL-12
Anti-Collision Lights
Wl~elenRed Strobe Mode1 HS
Wl~elenWhite Strobe Model HD-T2
Heaters
Janitrol Model No. 20D55
Southwind Mode1 No, 94C-DC12
6.) Autopilots:
Piper Auto Control I1 (WIO Gyros) - 4.6
Piper Auto Control I11 (WIO Gyros) 4.0
Piper AItimatic I1 (WJO Gyros) 13.1
Piper AItirnatic I1 {W/O Gyros) 17.1
Piper AItirnatic 111 (WIO Gyros) 18.9

Copyright: 1993 & 1946 Page 6-9

Aircraft Publications Section - 6
Piper Twin Comanche PA 30 Weight and Balance

EQUIPMENT LIST (Cont.)

Mark Weight Arm Moment
If (lbs) (Aftof (inIb)
Installed Datum)

7.) MisceIIaneous Equipment:

Heated Pitot Mead PAC 21 301 1.O 99.0 99.0

Eire Extinguisher - Walter Kidde PAC 2173 1 5 ,O 84.8 424.0
Fire Extinguisher - MIL-E-5220A PAC 2 I73 1 8,O 84.8 678.4
Fire Extinguisher - Scott Aviation PAC 2 173 1 4.3 84.8 364.6
Mixture Monitor PAC 25280 - 2.0 68.0 136.0
Mixture Monitor PAC 26738 2.5 61.6 154.0
Mixture Control Indicator PAC 26738 - 2.5 61.6 1 54.0
Dual Brake InstaIIation (Copilot) PAC 24438 5.0 58.0 290.0
Dual Tachometer Installalion PAC 26897 2.2 64.6 142.1
Dual AItimeter Installation PAC 26730 3.0 64.2 192.6
Piper Radio Coupler PAC 25001 - 0.5 66.0 33.0
Piper EIectric Trim PAC 24889 4.0 163.0 652.0
Anti-Static Equipment PAC 25043 2.0 1 54.0 308.0
Air Flow Modification Kit PAC 27205 1.6 1 10.0 176.0
Rudder-Aileron Connect Kit PAC SIC2169 2.3 223.0 282.9
Seat Installation - Fifth PAC 25302 7.5 148.0 1 1 10.0
Seat Installation - Sixth PAC 26602 7.5 148.0 11 10.0
Vertically Adjustable Front Seats PAC 26971 2 1-3 ea. 84.8 3612.5
Head Rests (Seats 1 & 2) PAC 26652 1.0ea. 95.0 190.0
Head Rests (Seats 3 & 4) PAC 26652 1.0 ea. 130.0 260,O
Sl~oulderHarness (Seats I & 2) PAC 27006 0.6ea. 100.0 120.0
ShouIder Harness (Seats 3 & 4) PAC 27006 0.6 ea. 133.0 159.6
Aux Power Receptacle W/Jumper Cable 7.0 153.3 1073.1
Aux Power Receptacle W/Jurnper Cable 6.5 113.3 736.5
Oxygen System Installation PAC 25342 41.5 161.2 6689.8
Oxygen System Installation PAC 25542 41.5 161.2 6689.8
Oxygen System Installation PAC 25724 41.5 161.2 6689.8
Oxygen System Installation PAC 26682 41.5 161.2 6689.8
Glar Ban Lights PAC 26871 Negligible Weight Change
Stall Warning Indicator PAC 2665 1 Negligible Weight Change
Landing Gear Security Kit PAC 760-627 Negligible Weight Change
Alternate Static Air Source PAC 26722 Negligible Weight Change
DMCR Approved Airplane Flight Manual Negligible Weight Change
FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual Negligible Weight Change
Applicable Flight Manual Supplements Negligible Weig11t Change

Copyright: 1993 & 1996 Page 6- 1 0

A ircrafi Publications Section - 6
Piper Twin Comanche PA 30 Weight and Balance

WEIGHT AND BALANCE

PA-30 "600/3725 POUNDS GROSS WEIGHT

SERIAL NO: 30 - REGISTRATION NO: N - DATE:

14- R b
Basic Empty Weight as Weighed

Left Wheel (L)

Right Wheel [R)
Nose Wheel (N)
Total qr)

I
7700 -
-
8n R'; 90 91
C.G (INCHES AFT OF DATUM)

FIGURE 6-01
Copyright: 1993 & 1996 Page 6-12