Payload for 1979 Cherokee 6

I own a 1967 Cherokee 6, Pa 32-260. The Payload ( Useful load - full tanks ) exceeds 1000lbs. I just got the wive's ok to look for a 1977-1979 Cherokee 6 or an early Saratoga fg. My airplane use requires a 900-950 payload. The later cherokee 6's and early fg Saratogas seem to be much lower. The later Cherokee 6's I seen have a payload of about 800-850lbs. The fg saratogas 750-800lbs. Is my search for 900-950lb payload too ambitious or just improbable? Yes, I know I can maintain tanks that are partially full and add to the payload, but this is inconsistent with my practice and mission. Thanks

Comments

  • Hey CS, I've got a pa32RT300T which sports a 1360lb load ending up at 796lb w/94gal onboard. Great IFR panel,AP and club seating. interested? Do you really need all that fuel? shoot me a line if you want more info. Rob
  • Rob:
    Sorry I need a 900lb payload. Also, Im too old to learn a retractable. Thanks Chuck
  • Book says I can do just over 900 LBs on my 1977 Six-300, with all 4 club seats installed and 84 gallons in the tanks, so I don't think you're completely out of luck.
  • I spoke with people at Pristine Aircraft. They have refurbished numerous cherokee 6 and Saratoga fg's. They confirmed my thoughts. They have not seen a 1978-79 cherokee 6 with a 900lb payload. You can get a 1977 with just under a 9oolb payload. The 1977 will be equipped with 84 gallon tanks, forward seating and no ac. Thanks for you thoughts.
  • I think you will have a tough time finding anything other than a very stripped-down Six with a useful load of 1,500 lbs (this includes fuel, of course). I believe that the original usefull load on our '66 300 was in the upper 1,500's, but with all of the modifications that we have, it is down to 1,250 or so, which puts the payload with full fuel (84 gals) at 750. In looking through the manufacturer specifications for useful loads for PA32's over the years, the empty weights have gradually increased, and the 300's empty weight has always been more than the 260's.
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