MSFS 2024 · General Aviation
Piper PA-24-250 Comanche (A2A) Quick Reference
V-SPEEDS
| Speed | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Vr | 85 mph (74 kts) | At max takeoff weight without flaps. Light or with flaps the mains go light nearer 65 mph |
| Vx | 84 mph (73 kts) | Best angle of climb |
| Vy | 105 mph (91 kts) | Best rate of climb. Decrease about 1 mph per 1,000 ft - 95 mph at 10,000 ft |
| Normal Climb Out | 110 mph (96 kts) | - |
| Va | 144 mph (125 kts) at 2,800 lb | 120 mph (104 kts) at 1,900 lb. Interpolate for intermediate weights |
| Vfe | 125 mph (109 kts) | Recommended flap extension below 100 mph (87 kts) |
| Vlo | 125 mph (109 kts) | Recommended max gear operating speed - loads on the motor and doors are much lower slower |
| Vle | 150 mph (130 kts) | Maximum gear extended speed |
| Vno | 180 mph (156 kts) | Max structural cruise - exceed only in smooth air and with caution |
| Vne | 203 mph (176 kts) | 229 mph (199 kts) with stabilator tips installed |
| Vs0 | 64 mph (56 kts) | Stall, gear and flaps down at gross weight |
| Vs1 | 71 mph (62 kts) | Stall, normal configuration |
| Approach | 120 mph (104 kts) | Approach checklist speed before gear and flaps |
| Final Approach (Flaps 27) | 90 mph (78 kts) | Add 5 mph if windy |
| Final Approach (Flaps Up) | 95 mph (83 kts) | - |
| Best Glide - Range | 105 mph (91 kts) | - |
| Best Glide - Endurance | 95 mph (83 kts) | - |
| Max Demonstrated Crosswind | 17 kts | - |
POWER SETTINGS
| Phase | Setting |
|---|---|
| Start / Idle | About 800 RPM once firing evenly - lower fouls the plugs |
| Warm-Up | 800-1,200 RPM, max 2 min warm weather / 4 min cold |
| Run-Up | 2,000 RPM (about 15 inHg) for the magneto check |
| Prop Check | Cycle x 3, then reduce to 1,500 RPM and check steady |
| Takeoff | FULL THROTTLE - max rotation speed 2,575 RPM |
| Climb | Prop 2,400 RPM max, throttle as engine temps will tolerate. Do not reduce power before 1,000 ft AGL |
| Cruise (75%) | 22.6 inHg / 2,400 RPM at 7,000 ft = 181 mph TAS, about 14 GPH |
| Cruise (65-75%) | 2,000-2,400 RPM with matching manifold pressure. Lowest RPM for minimum fuel burn |
FLAP SCHEDULE
| Setting | Max Speed | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 0 (UP) | Any | Cruise / climb / normal and crosswind takeoff |
| 9 deg | 125 mph max (100 mph recommended) | Approach |
| 18 deg (2/3) | 125 mph max | Minimum-run takeoff - shortens the run about 20 percent |
| 27 deg (FULL) | 125 mph max (100 mph recommended) | Final approach / landing / short and slow landings |
ENGINE LIMITS
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | Lycoming O-540-A, carburetted, 8.5:1 compression |
| Max Horsepower | 250 hp at 2,575 RPM |
| Max Rotation Speed | 2,575 RPM |
| Max CHT | 500 degF |
| Max Oil Temperature | 245 degF |
| Oil Pressure | 25 PSI min red line / 100 PSI max red line |
| Fuel Pressure | 0.5 PSI min red line / 5 PSI max red line |
| Vacuum | 4.8 - 5.1 inHg |
| Oil Capacity | 12 US quarts sump; 9 quarts is the recommended maximum level |
| Fuel Grade | Minimum 91/96 avgas, specified 100LL (the Limitations page prints 90/96 blue - use the higher grade) |
| Max Magneto Drop | 125 RPM, max 50 RPM difference between magnetos |
| Carb Heat RPM Drop | About 125 RPM expected |
| Oil Pressure After Start | Must indicate within 30 seconds or shut down |
KEY NUMBERS
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Fuel Capacity | 60 US gal mains (56 usable); 90 gal with tip tanks |
| Fuel Burn (75%) | About 14 GPH |
| Max Recommended Cruise | 181 mph (157 kts) TAS at 75% power, 7,000 ft |
| Range | 4.3 h / 740 miles standard fuel; 6.4 h / 1,100 miles with tip tanks |
| MTOW | 3,000 lbs (with tip tanks) |
| Standard Empty Weight | 1,690 lbs |
| Max Useful Load | 1,310 lbs |
| Max Baggage | 200 lbs |
| Flap Positions | 9 / 18 / 27 degrees (mechanical) |
| Tip Tank Rule | Use the tip tank fuel first; alternate tanks to hold lateral trim |
| Electrical System | 12 V DC, alternator, 33 amp-hour battery |
| Cowl Flaps | None - cooling is achieved without cowl flaps or augmenters |
| Nose Gear Steering | 40 degree arc, disconnected automatically on retraction |