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1 Answers

Weight and balance says I’m in utility category

Asked by: 6830 views Private Pilot, Student Pilot

Is there anything that changes if I fall within the utility category on my C172 weight and balance? I am only seeing: 

  • Baggage compartment and rear seat must not be occupied.
  • Maximum useful load is different from (less than) normal category 
  • Load factor limits are increased for flight with flaps up 
  • Certain aerobatics are permitted (chandelles, lazy eights etc.)
  • CG limits change

 

 

 

 

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1 Answers

  1. Best Answer


    John Scarry on Sep 30, 2017

    It is not clear from your question, but the restrictions only apply if you intend to perform aerobatics. It is perfectly fine to fly with passengers in the back seat and with baggage if you fall in the Utility range. Your Pilot Handbook or AFM should have some wording similar to my Cherokee.

    In the Pilot Handbook it says:
    “The airplane is approved for certain aerobatic maneuvers up to a gross weight of 1950 lbs., provided it is loaded within the approved weight and center of gravity limits. The maneuvers are spins, steep turns, lazy eights, and chandelles.”

    In the Airplane Flight Manual (not a real AFM since mine is a 1968 model) it says:

    Placards
    On the aft side of the baggage compartment: “UTILITY CATEGORY OPERATION – NO BAGGAGE OR AFT PASSENGERS ALLOWED. NORMAL CATEGORY OPERATION – SEE AIRPLANE FLIGHT MANUAL WEIGHT AND BALANCE SECTION FOR BAGGAGE AND AFTE PASSENGER LIMITATIONS.”

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