Page 1
PIPER CHEROKEE 180 C PA-28-180 Owner’s Handbook Piper Aircraft Corporation, Vero Beach, Florida U.S.A.
Page 2
Revised text and illustrations shall be indicated by a black vertical line in the margin opposite the change. A line opposite the page number will indicate that material was relocated. Additional copies of this manual, Part No. 753 683, may be obtained from your Piper Dealer. ___________________________________________________...
Page 3
INDEX SECTION I – SPECIFICATIONS Page Performance Weights Power Plant Fuel and Oil Baggage Dimensions Landing Gear SECTION II – DESIGN INFORMATION Page Engine and Propeller Structures Landing Gear Control Systems Fuel System Electrical System Heating and Ventilating System Cabin Features SECTION III –...
Page 4
INDEX (continued) SECTION IV – EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Page Introduction Engine Power Loss During Takeoff Engine Power Loss In Flight Power Off Landing Fire Loss of Oil Pressure Loss of Fuel Pressure High Oil Temperature Alternator Failure Engine Roughness Spins Open Door SECTION V –...
Page 5
INDEX (continued) APPENDIX – ORIGINAL PIPER AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL Limitations Section Weight and Balance Section Current Equipment List Revision (Weight & Balance)
PIPER CHEROKEE 180 “C” SECTION I SECTION I SPECIFICATIONS...
Page 7
PIPER CHEROKEE 180 “C” SECTION I SECTION I SPECIFICATIONS PERFORMANCE Published figures are for standard airplanes flown at gross weight under standard conditions at sea level, unless otherwise stated. Performance for a specific airplane may vary from published figures depending upon the equipment installed, the condition of engine, airplane and equipment, atmospheric conditions and piloting technique.
DESIGN INFORMATION ENGINE AND PROPELLER The Piper Cherokee 180 “C” is powered by a Lycoming O-360-A3A four cylinder, direct drive, horizontally opposed engine rated at 180 HP at 2700 RPM. It is furnished with a starter, 35 ampere 12 volt alternator, shielded ignition, vacuum pump drive, fuel pump, and a dry, automotive type carburetor air filter.
PIPER CHEROKEE 180 “C” SECTION II LANDING GEAR The three landing gears use a Cleveland 6.00 x 6 wheel, the main wheels being provided with Cleveland single disc hydraulic brake assemblies, No. 30-55. All wheels use 6.00 x 6 four ply tires with tubes.
PIPER CHEROKEE 180 “C” SECTION II mounted on the right side of the pedestal below the throttle quadrant and permits directional trim as needed in flight. The flaps are manually operated, balanced for light operating forces and spring-loaded to return to the up position. A past center lock incorporated in the actuating linkage holds the flap when it is in the up position so that it may be used as a step on the right side.
PIPER CHEROKEE 180 “C” SECTION II ELECTRICAL SYSTEM The electrical system includes a 12 volt alternator, battery, voltage regulator and master switch relay. The battery, regulator and relay are mounted in a stainless steel box immediately aft of the baggage compartment. Access for service or inspection is conveniently obtained through a removable panel at lower right corner of the compartment.
PIPER CHEROKEE 180 “C” SECTION II current shown on the ammeter will tell immediately whether the alternator system is operating normally, as the amount of current shown should be equal to the total amount of amperes being drawn by the equipment which is operating.
PIPER CHEROKEE 180 “C” SECTION II CABIN FEATURES The instrument panel of the Cherokee is designed to accommodate the customary advanced flight instruments and the normally required power plant instruments. The Artificial Horizon and Directional Gyro are vacuum operated through use of a vacuum pump installed on the engine, while the Turn and Bank instrument is electrically operated.
Page 22
PIPER CHEROKEE 180 “C” SECTION III SECTION III OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS...
Page 23
PIPER CHEROKEE 180 “C” SECTION III SECTION III OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS PREFLIGHT Inspect the airplane as follows: 1. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ a. Master Switch “ON”. b. Check fuel quantity indicators (two tanks). c. Master switch and ignition "OFF". 2. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ a. Check for external damage or operational interference to the control surfaces, wings or fuselage.
Page 24
PIPER CHEROKEE 180 “C” SECTION III 4. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ a. The landing gear shock struts are properly inflated. (Refer to Section VI) b. The tires are satisfactorily inflated and not excessively worn. 5. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ a. The cowling and inspection covers are secured.
PIPER CHEROKEE 180 “C” SECTION III After priming, turn the electric master switch on, engage the starter and allow the engine to turn approximately one full revolution, then turn the ignition switch to the "Left" magneto position. When the engine is firing evenly, turn the magneto switch to the "Both" position and advance the throttle to 800 RPM.
Page 26
PIPER CHEROKEE 180 “C” SECTION III Carburetor heat should also be checked prior to take-off to be sure that the control is operating properly and to clear any ice which may have formed during taxiing. Avoid prolonged ground operation with carburetor heat ON as the air is unfiltered.
Page 27
PIPER CHEROKEE 180 “C” SECTION III CLIMB The best rate of climb at gross weight will be obtained at MPH. The best angle of climb may be obtained at MPH. At lighter than gross weight these speeds are reduced somewhat. For climbing enroute a speed of 100 MPH is recommended.
PIPER CHEROKEE 180 “C” SECTION III operations under 5000 feet. Always enrich the mixture before increasing power settings. To lean the mixture, pull the mixture control until the engine becomes rough, indicating that the lean mixture limit has been reached in the leaner cylinders.
PIPER CHEROKEE 180 “C” SECTION III The airplane should be trimmed to an approach speed of about MPH, with flaps up. The flaps can be lowered at speeds up to MPH, if desired, and the approach speed reduced 3 MPH for each additional notch of flaps.
PIPER CHEROKEE 180 “C” SECTION III ENGINE POWER LOSS The most common cause of engine power loss is mismanagement of the fuel. Therefore, the first step to take after engine power loss is to move the fuel selector valve to the tank not being used. This will often keep the engine running even if there is no apparent reason for the engine to stop on the tank being used.
Page 31
PIPER CHEROKEE 180 “C” SECTION III 2. The best speed for take-off is about 60 MPH under normal conditions. Trying to pull the airplane off the ground at too low an airspeed decreases the controllability of the airplane in event of engine failure.
Page 32
PIPER CHEROKEE 180 “C” SECTION III The pressure, even though set correctly, can read lower under two conditions: Very high altitude, above 12000 feet, Low engine RPM usually on approach or during training maneuvers. This is normal and should not be considered a malfunction.
PIPER CHEROKEE 180 “C” SECTION IV SECTION IV EMERGENCY PROCEDURES INTRODUCTION This section contains procedures that are recommended if an emergency condition should occur during ground operation, takeoff, or in flight. These procedures are suggested as the best course of action for coping with the particular condition described, but are not a substitute for sound judgement and common sense.
PIPER CHEROKEE 180 “C” SECTION IV NOTE If engine failure was caused by fuel exhaustion, power will not be regained after tanks are switched until empty fuel lines are filled, which may require up to ten seconds. If power is not regained, proceed with the POWER OFF LANDING procedure.
PIPER CHEROKEE 180 “C” SECTION IV 3. Try another fuel tank. (Water in the fuel could take some time to be used up, and allowing the engine to windmill may restore power. If power loss is due to water, fuel pressure indications will be normal.)
Page 37
PIPER CHEROKEE 180 “C” SECTION IV FIRE The presence of fire is noted through smoke, smell, and heat in the cabin. It is essential that the source of the fire be promptly identified through instrument readings, character of the smoke, or other indications, since the action to be taken differs somewhat in each case.
PIPER CHEROKEE 180 “C” SECTION IV In either case, if the fire continues longer than a few seconds, the fire should be extinguished by the best available external means. If external fire extinguishing is to be applied: 1. Fuel Selector – Off 2.
PIPER CHEROKEE 180 “C” SECTION IV HIGH OIL TEMPERATURE An abnormally high oil temperature indication may be caused by a low oil level, an obstruction of the oil cooler, damaged or improper baffle seals, a defective gauge, or other causes. Land as soon as practical at an appropriate airport and have the cause investigated.
Page 40
PIPER CHEROKEE 180 “C” SECTION IV indicating ice removal. If no change in approximately one minute, return carburetor heat to COLD. If the engine is still rough, try steps below. 1. Mixture – Adjust for maximum smoothness. Engine will run rough if too rich or too lean.
Page 41
PIPER CHEROKEE 180 “C” SECTION IV OPEN DOOR The cabin door on the Cherokee is double latched, so the chance of its springing open in flight at both the top and bottom is remote. However, should you forget the upper latch, or not fully engage the lower latch, the door may spring partially open.
For further maintenance assistance refer to the Service Manual for this airplane. Any complex repairs or modification should be accomplished by a Piper Certified Service Center or equivalent. LANDING GEAR SERVICE Main wheels are easily removed by taking off the hub cap, axle nut, and the two bolts holding the brake segment in place, after which the wheel slips easily from the axle.
In jacking the Cherokee for landing gear or other service, a jack kit (available through Piper Dealers or Distributors) should be used. This kit consists of two hydraulic jacks and a tail stand. At least 250 pounds of ballast should be placed on the base of the tail stand before jacking up the airplane.
PIPER CHEROKEE 180 “C” SECTION VI installation of new components, it may be necessary to rebalance the wheel with the tires mounted. CARE OF WINDSHIELD AND WINDOWS A certain amount of care is needed to keep the Plexiglas windows clean and unmarred.
PIPER CHEROKEE 180 “C” SECTION VI and in the engine oil. It may require increased spark plug maintenance and more frequent oil changes. The frequency of spark plug maintenance and oil drain periods will be governed by the amount of lead per gallon and the type of operation.
Page 55
The strainer, located ahead of the firewall, is accessible for cleaning by removal of the lower cowl. When the strainer is reassembled after cleaning, a small amount of grease applied to the gasket will facilitate assembly. PIPER CHEROKEE 180 “C” FUEL SYSTEM 1. Fuel Strainer 2. Fuel Selector 3.
Page 56
PIPER CHEROKEE 180 “C” SECTION VI CARE OF AIR FILTER The carburetor air filter must be cleaned at least once every fifty hours. Under extremely adverse conditions of operation it may be necessary to clean the filter daily. Extra filters are inexpensive and a spare should be kept on hand and used as a rapid replacement.
PIPER CHEROKEE 180 “C” SECTION VI Cable tensions for the various controls are as follows: Rudder: 40 ±5# Ailerons: 40 ±5# Flap: 10 ±2# Stabilator: 40 ±5# Stabilator Trim: 5 ±1# Flap: 10 ±2# For extreme cases of wing heaviness, either of the flaps may be adjusted up or down from the zero position as desired.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the CHEROKEE 180 C and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers