What is the maximum weight limit for take off with a C-172R?

Question

Considering the fuel tanks are topped off. What would the weight limit be for passengers and bags?

Also, how do you determine the weight for 100LL? /gal etc.

Answer 1

All of the previous answer are correct but you do need to check the aircraft's useful load.  Reason being that not all airplane have the same useful load.  

If a 172 is equipped with a single radio and a transponder it weighs less than a 172 equipped with an Audio Panel, 2 Radios, a Transponder, DME, GPS, ADF, Autopilot, etc.  All this equipment takes up some of the available weight you could use for passenger and luggage.

So the best thing to do is find the useful load which will be in the Pilot Operating Handbook (POH).  You then subtract the fuel X # of gallons @ 6 lbs per gallon.  This will give your available load for passengers and baggage.

But this does not mean load it up and go fly!  Use common sense, a fully loaded Skyhawk taking off in hot weather with a high density altitude will fly like a wounded duck and waddled thru the air.  It is dangerous - just whatever you do think SAFETY FIRST.

Answer 2

Not enough information.  Coffeebu.... is correct, but there are some other things you need to know.  Cessna offered long range fuel tanks as options and there are several after market add on tanks.

There is more required here than maximum weight, the Pilot's Operating Handbook contains a Weight and Balance chart where you can place the weights of the passengers and the baggage.  You can take off within the gross weight limits and still be in grave danger!  The Weight and Balance needs to be computed for the arrival time as well.  The fuel load will change as the flight progresses and so will the center of gravity.  Cessna did a good job of placing the fuel tanks near the center of gravity, but you need to understand all of that information as a dynamic or changing situation.

Answer 3

You'll need to go to the individual aircraft's POH to determine the empty weight.  If I remember correctly, max takeoff weight is 2,450 pounds.  Don't quote me on that, though.  Subtract the empty weight, then subtract the fuel weight.  You're left with your max pax and bags weight.  Then make sure your load distribution falls within the CG envelope.

100LL is 6 pounds per gallon.

If you're taking lessons right now, make sure you review this with your instructor.  It's important to understand this.

If you're asking out of mere curiosity, I think you'll end up with around 600 pounds available with full fuel... Somebody else should be able to confirm this.  There's a lot of 172 pilots out there.

Answer 4

Empty weight. 1600

max take off weight 2450

fuel capacity, 56 gal @6.02 lb/US gallon=337.12lb

leaves 512.88 lbs for pilot, passenger(s) and baggage