Weight and Centre of Gravity Limits

Two weight limits, three baggage figures and a centre of gravity envelope whose forward edge moves with weight. The forward limit is the one that requires care: it is not a single number but a straight line between two.

At a glance

• Maximum takeoff weight1670 lbs
• Maximum landing weight1670 lbs
• Baggage area 1, station 50 to 76120 lbs
• Baggage area 2, station 76 to 9440 lbs
• Baggage areas 1 and 2 combined120 lbs
• Forward C.G. limit at 1350 lbs or less31.0 in aft of datum
• Forward C.G. limit at 1670 lbs32.65 in aft of datum
• Aft C.G. limit, all weights36.5 in aft of datum
• Reference datumthe front face of the firewall

Weight

Maximum takeoff weight and maximum landing weight are both 1670 pounds.

Baggage

Baggage area 1 runs from station 50 to station 76 and takes 120 pounds; that same allowance covers a passenger carried on the child's seat, which occupies the area 1 position. Baggage area 2 spans stations 76 through 94 and accepts 40 pounds.

NOTE — Loaded together, the two areas may hold no more than 120 pounds between them. Each individual figure is a ceiling for its own area, not an allowance to be summed with the other.

The centre of gravity envelope

Figure: Centre of gravity limits (redrawn).

Forward limit

• At 1350 lbs or less: 31.0 inches aft of datum.

• Between 1350 and 1670 lbs: straight line variation between the two figures.

• At 1670 lbs: 32.65 inches aft of datum.

The forward limit moves aft as the aeroplane gets heavier. Loading that is legal at 1350 pounds may therefore be outside the envelope at 1670 pounds without a single item having moved — the weight alone can put you outside.

Aft limit

• At all weights: 36.5 inches aft of datum.

The aft limit does not move. One number covers the whole weight range, which makes the envelope's aft edge a vertical line and its forward edge a sloping one.

Where the measurements start

The reference datum is the front face of the firewall. Every station and arm in the loading calculation is a distance aft of that plane.

Check yourself

• What are the maximum takeoff and landing weights?

• State the forward centre of gravity limit at 1350 pounds and at 1670 pounds.

• Does the aft limit vary with weight? What is it?

• Where is the reference datum?

• If baggage area 1 carries 120 pounds, how much may go in area 2?

Study aid — always fly your aircraft's current AFM/POH.