4 in a 172?

aeronaut

aeronaut

Well-Known Member
My weight and balance numbers pass the test, but I'm actually concerned about being comfortable. I wanted to take my sister, friend and CFI out on my birthday for some sightseeing, but I'm a little afraid it'll be REALLY uncomfortable for the back passengers, not to mention my CFI and I in the front. I could just tell my friend we'll go up another time. Is flying a packed 172 frowned upon? Who here has done this before?
 
there is a reason there is a backseat and you have a weight and balance section in your POH.

if the numbers say you are good, you are good.
 
Take advantage of the opportunity to expand your comfort envelope. If the numbers check out on your W&B calculations, you are good to go. Your CFI will likely double check them anyway. Two things to note:

1) The airplane will definitely feel and handle different than what you are used to with just you and your CFI. It'll be different, too when you solo (as you may or may not have already noticed).

2) On your check ride, you will probably be given a loading problem that will exceed weight or balance or both limitations. It will be up to you to recognize that and come up with the solutions.

So, have fun and learn lots.
 
As long as you are within the CG envelope and not over max gross according to the POH then you're good to go. Obviously you'll have to carry less fuel so make sure you monitor your burn closely. As for comfort, if your PAX are of average size it shouldn't be a problem.
 
Funny.
:rotfl:

Phew! I have passengers where I do to visual math for weight and balance. Fortunate in the fact I've not had to be too much concerned about the potential compromise of passenger affecting more balance than weight.
 
Ed (Rocketman99) and I put 4 people in a C172 with no problem, and it was plenty comfortable for a couple of hours. Of course, it was 2 guys and 2 girls, and we had to siphon off about 5 gallons of fuel to make it under gross. Had it been 4 guys (or had the girls been fat) we would have needed to siphon off more, but it still would have been reasonably comfortable, space-wise.
 
fish314 said:
Ed (Rocketman99) and I put 4 people in a C172 with no problem, and it was plenty comfortable for a couple of hours. Of course, it was 2 guys and 2 girls, and we had to siphon off about 5 gallons of fuel to make it under gross. Had it been 4 guys (or had the girls been fat) we would have needed to siphon off more, but it still would have been reasonably comfortable, space-wise.
Click to expand...

Remember, fuel is weightless.
:sarcasm:
 
ppragman said:
Remember, fuel is weightless.
:sarcasm:
Click to expand...

Hahaha! Riiiiiggghhhhttt!

Oh, note to anyone who wants to siphon out fuel, buy something that comes with a pump. 100 LL tastes HORRIBLE!! (And it's probably not that good for you either, but I haven't noticed any ill effects so far.)
 
blimpguy said:
Take advantage of the opportunity to expand your comfort envelope. If the numbers check out on your W&B calculations, you are good to go. Your CFI will likely double check them anyway. Two things to note:

1) The airplane will definitely feel and handle different than what you are used to with just you and your CFI. It'll be different, too when you solo (as you may or may not have already noticed).

2) On your check ride, you will probably be given a loading problem that will exceed weight or balance or both limitations. It will be up to you to recognize that and come up with the solutions.

So, have fun and learn lots.
Click to expand...

I have my PPL - who said I haven't taken my checkride lol? I've just never flown with anymore than one other person before, that's all. I haven't flown in 6 months so that's why the CFI is coming with, hehe.

Btw, for the people who are suggesting to not take so much fuel, I still meet weight & balance requirements with a full 40 gallon tank (N model 172).

Thanks for the responses everyone.
 
aeronaut said:
I have my PPL - who said I haven't taken my checkride lol? I've just never flown with anymore than one other person before, that's all. I haven't flown in 6 months so that's why the CFI is coming with, hehe.

Btw, for the people who are suggesting to not take so much fuel, I still meet weight & balance requirements with a full 40 gallon tank (N model 172).

Thanks for the responses everyone.
Click to expand...

hmmm, your typical 172N has a useful load of about 900lbs (907lbs if its just a skyhawk, and not a skyhawk II, per the book)

Airplanes typically get heavier with age too, so a book value is unlikely.

40*6 = 240
170*4= 680
+______
920....hmmmm

Now assuming you weigh the FAA average (not likely in the US), and your tanks are full. You are prolly over gross ;)

Don't worry I won't turn you in, up here if you're going on a cross country you'd better be overgross, otherwise you'll probably run out of fuel in a 172.:sarcasm:
 
ppragman said:
hmmm, your typical 172N has a useful load of about 900lbs (907lbs if its just a skyhawk, and not a skyhawk II, per the book)

Airplanes typically get heavier with age too, so a book value is unlikely.

40*6 = 240
170*4= 680
+______
920....hmmmm

Now assuming you weigh the FAA average (not likely in the US), and your tanks are full. You are prolly over gross ;)

Don't worry I won't turn you in, up here if you're going on a cross country you'd better be overgross, otherwise you'll probably run out of fuel in a 172.:sarcasm:
Click to expand...

You forgot to subtract the unusable fuel from the total 40 gallon tanks ;)
 
Assuming calm conditions, one of the few things that will make your rear seat passengers uncomfortable will be the absence of proper rudder use during turns. I've sometimes been tempted to have a student's significant other join us for lessons and sit in the back, so that the student will be reminded about the rudder every day s/he doesn't fly. :)
 
I've put 4 people in our 172 and bags many times..

However, not all 172's are the same.. :)

What year? How many horses, etc?

I almost died in a 172 with 4 people in it..
However, our 172 will carry 4 people no problem..
 
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