baggage area maximum weight

[Ulysse]

The maximum weight as per the POH of the baggage area is 120lbs.

There are many load configurations which would keep the aircraft well within W&B limits if this weight exceeded 120lbs. So, what imposes this limit?

[Fritz1]

Structural limit probably of the baggage compartment floor

[skydvrboy]

120 lbs is a lot of stuff and often it won't fit in the baggage area anyway.  Anytime I need more than 120 lbs of baggage capacity, I just put the heaviest stuff in the rear seats.

[GeeBee]

39 minutes ago, skydvrboy said:

120 lbs is a lot of stuff and often it won't fit in the baggage area anyway.  Anytime I need more than 120 lbs of baggage capacity, I just put the heaviest stuff in the rear seats.

Apparently, you have never lifted my wife's overnight bag.

 

[PT20J]

2 hours ago, Fritz1 said:

Structural limit probably of the baggage compartment floor

THIS^^^^

[Pinecone]

Remember, the plane is certified for 3.8G plus a 50% safety factor.

So that 120 pounds is a 684 pound force on the baggage floor.

[A64Pilot]

On 5/19/2024 at 9:49 AM, Pinecone said:

Remember, the plane is certified for 3.8G plus a 50% safety factor.

So that 120 pounds is a 684 pound force on the baggage floor.

It’s at least that, drop tests I think may also figure into it. Drop tests can be extremely high, but very short duration G loads.

If however you need to carry something heavy, it’s not a bad idea to place a piece of plywood on the floor, even a thin piece of paneling really helps distribute the load.

Obviously consider the possible effect of all that mass behind you in an accident.

I’ve seen dented floors, but haven’t ever seen structural failure myself in other aircraft that haul freight etc.