Cherokee Six Weight and Balance Calculator

Calculator Inputs

Formula Used

Moment = Weight × Arm.

Total weight = Empty weight + passengers + baggage + fuel + extras.

Total moment = Sum of all station moments.

Center of gravity = Total moment ÷ Total weight.

Fuel weight = Fuel gallons × Fuel weight per gallon.

The calculator checks ramp, takeoff, and landing conditions separately.

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter the current empty weight from aircraft records.
2. Enter empty arm or the moment index.
3. Add people, baggage, cargo, oil, and fuel values.
4. Replace sample arms with approved station arms.
5. Enter official weight and CG limits.
6. Press calculate to review each loading condition.
7. Download CSV or PDF for record keeping.

This planning aid cannot approve a flight. Use the approved flight manual and current weight sheet.

Example Data Table

Cherokee Six Weight and Balance Guide

Why Balance Matters

A Cherokee Six can carry people, fuel, and baggage well. That useful ability also creates balance risk. Weight alone is not enough. The arm of each load matters. A heavy item near the aft seats can shift the center of gravity back. Fuel can also change the balance during flight. This calculator treats every station as a physics problem. It multiplies weight by arm. Then it compares total moment against total weight. The result gives the loaded center of gravity.

Center of Gravity Basics

The center of gravity is the balance point of the aircraft. It is measured along the fuselage from a chosen datum. Each station has an arm. The empty aircraft has a known weight and moment. People, fuel, oil, and baggage add new moments. The calculator adds every moment together. It also adds every weight together. Dividing total moment by total weight gives the loaded arm. That value is the center of gravity in inches from datum during planning work too.

Forward and Aft Limits

Forward loading can make rotation harder during takeoff. A very forward balance may require more elevator force. Aft loading can reduce stability. It may also make stall recovery more difficult. Both cases can be unsafe. That is why the center of gravity must remain within limits. Limits vary by model, serial number, and approved equipment. This page uses editable limits. Pilots should replace sample values with handbook values. The final decision must always use approved aircraft data for that airframe.

Fuel Planning

Fuel deserves special attention. Gasoline weight depends on fuel type and temperature. Many pilots use six pounds per gallon for planning. This calculator lets you change that value. It also separates ramp, takeoff, and landing conditions. Taxi fuel reduces takeoff weight. Trip fuel reduces landing weight. A loading plan may pass before departure. It can still move closer to the aft limit later after long cruise segments or delays. Reviewing both conditions gives a clearer safety picture before the flight.

Baggage and Cargo

Baggage stations can have strict local limits. Those limits are different from total aircraft limits. A baggage area may be overloaded even when gross weight is legal. The calculator includes two baggage areas and an extra cargo line. Use those fields for bags, tools, tiedowns, or supplies. Enter the correct arm for each location. Small arm errors can change the final number before flight. Keep heavy items secured. Shifting cargo can change balance during turbulence, climb, descent, or landing rollout.

Safe Planning Habits

This tool supports training, planning, and classroom demonstrations. It does not replace a current flight manual. Aircraft modifications can change empty weight. New avionics, paint, interiors, and repairs can move the empty moment. The latest weight and balance sheet should be used. Check units before entering data. Use pounds, gallons, and inches consistently. Review warning messages after calculation. Save or print the results for discussion. The safest loading plan leaves margin on every side of the envelope on each trip.

FAQs