The Cessna TTX stands out as one of the most advanced single-engine aircraft in general aviation. With its sleek composite construction and impressive performance capabilities this high-performance aircraft offers pilots a unique blend of speed luxury and utility. However one critical factor that potential owners must consider is its useful load capacity.
Understanding the TTX’s useful load helps pilots make informed decisions about passenger count fuel capacity and cargo arrangements. The aircraft’s specifications indicate how much weight it can safely carry including passengers fuel and baggage after accounting for the empty weight. This calculation directly impacts flight planning and operational flexibility making it an essential consideration for both current and prospective TTX owners.
Cessna TTX Useful Load
The Cessna TTX maintains specific load capacity parameters essential for safe operations. These specifications determine the aircraft’s total carrying capabilities for passengers fuel cargo.
Maximum Takeoff Weight Specifications
The Cessna TTX features a maximum takeoff weight of 3,600 pounds. This weight limit establishes the total permissible weight of the aircraft including fuel passengers cargo structural components at departure.
| Weight Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Max Takeoff Weight | 3,600 lbs |
| Max Landing Weight | 3,420 lbs |
| Ramp Weight | 3,617 lbs |
- Standard installed equipment
- Required flight instruments
- Full engine oil capacity
- Unusable fuel
- Interior components
| Empty Weight Details | Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|
| Basic Empty Weight | 2,530 |
| Standard Equipment | 180 |
| Engine Oil (full) | 20 |
| Unusable Fuel | 24 |
Payload Capabilities of the TTX
The Cessna TTX offers versatile payload configurations within its maximum useful load of 1,070 pounds. This strategic load distribution enables operators to balance passenger comfort fuel capacity based on mission requirements.
Passenger and Baggage Configuration
The TTX accommodates 4 passengers with a spacious cabin layout. The baggage compartment provides 26 cubic feet of storage space with a maximum capacity of 120 pounds split between two compartments:
- Forward baggage area: 50 pounds capacity
- Aft baggage area: 70 pounds capacity
| Seating Configuration | Maximum Weight per Position |
|---|---|
| Pilot/Co-pilot Seats | 250 pounds each |
| Rear Passenger Seats | 200 pounds each |
- Full fuel load: 102 gallons (612 pounds)
- Reduced fuel scenarios allow for increased passenger/cargo weight
- Range with reserves at 65% power: 1,250 nautical miles
- Typical fuel burn: 15 gallons per hour at cruise
| Fuel Load Scenario | Available Payload |
|---|---|
| Full Fuel (102 gal) | 458 pounds |
| 75% Fuel (76.5 gal) | 549 pounds |
| 50% Fuel (51 gal) | 673 pounds |
Factors Affecting Useful Load
The Cessna TTX’s useful load varies based on multiple environmental operational factors. Several key elements directly influence the aircraft’s load-carrying capabilities during flight operations.
Temperature and Altitude Impact
High temperatures decrease the TTX’s useful load capacity due to reduced air density. At sea level on a standard day (59°F/15°C), the TTX maintains its full useful load of 1,070 pounds, while at Denver’s elevation (5,280 feet) with temperatures at 85°F/29°C, the useful load decreases by 15%. The aircraft’s performance charts indicate a 2% reduction in useful load for every 1,000-foot increase in density altitude.
| Condition | Temperature | Altitude | Useful Load Reduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Day | 59°F/15°C | Sea Level | 0% |
| Hot Day | 85°F/29°C | 5,280 ft | 15% |
| Per 1,000 ft | Standard | Increase | 2% |
- Forward baggage area: 50-pound maximum within stations 82-108
- Aft baggage area: 70-pound maximum within stations 108-134
- Fuel loading sequence: Outboard tanks first followed by inboard tanks
- Seating configuration: Maximum occupant weight varies by seat position relative to CG
Real-World Loading Scenarios
The Cessna TTX accommodates diverse loading configurations to meet specific mission requirements. These practical scenarios demonstrate the aircraft’s versatility in managing passenger count, fuel capacity and cargo distribution.
Business Travel Configuration
A typical business configuration in the TTX carries two executives with essential equipment. With two 200-pound passengers, two 25-pound briefcases in the forward baggage compartment and 85 gallons of fuel (510 pounds), the total load remains 935 pounds – well within the 1,070-pound useful load limit. This setup enables a comfortable 900-nautical-mile range with a 45-minute reserve at 65% power settings.
Family Trip Planning
Family vacation loading maximizes the TTX’s four-seat capacity while maintaining weight limits. A configuration of two 170-pound adults and two 100-pound children, combined with 70 gallons of fuel (420 pounds) and 100 pounds of luggage distributed between compartments, totals 960 pounds. This arrangement provides a 750-nautical-mile range while leaving sufficient payload margin for weight distribution flexibility.
| Loading Scenario | Passengers | Fuel Load | Baggage | Total Load | Range (nm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Travel | 400 lbs | 510 lbs | 25 lbs | 935 lbs | 900 |
| Family Trip | 540 lbs | 420 lbs | 100 lbs | 960 lbs | 750 |
Performance Implications of Load
The Cessna TTX’s performance characteristics vary significantly based on its load configuration. Loading decisions directly influence critical flight parameters including range, speed, fuel efficiency and overall aircraft performance.
Range vs Payload
The TTX demonstrates a clear inverse relationship between range and payload capacity. With full fuel (102 gallons) and minimal payload, the aircraft achieves its maximum range of 1,250 nautical miles. A typical loading scenario breaks down as follows:
| Configuration | Fuel Load | Payload | Range (nm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Range | 102 gal | 458 lbs | 1,250 |
| Mixed Use | 85 gal | 565 lbs | 1,000 |
| Max Payload | 65 gal | 685 lbs | 750 |
Speed and Fuel Economy
The TTX maintains efficient performance metrics across various load configurations. Load weight impacts the aircraft’s speed and fuel consumption in measurable ways:
| Load Configuration | Cruise Speed (KTAS) | Fuel Burn (GPH) |
|---|---|---|
| Light Load (<800 lbs) | 235 | 14.5 |
| Medium Load (800-950 lbs) | 230 | 15.0 |
| Heavy Load (>950 lbs) | 225 | 15.5 |
Operating at maximum gross weight reduces cruise speed by approximately 10 knots compared to lighter configurations. The aircraft achieves optimal fuel economy at 65% power settings regardless of load with slight variations in fuel consumption based on total weight.
The Cessna TTX stands out as a remarkable aircraft that balances performance with practical loading capabilities. Its 1,070-pound useful load capacity offers pilots significant flexibility in managing passengers fuel and cargo for various mission profiles.
Through careful load planning and understanding of environmental factors pilots can maximize the TTX’s capabilities while maintaining safe operations. Whether for business travel or family adventures the aircraft delivers reliable performance across different loading scenarios.
The TTX’s thoughtful design and load management features make it an excellent choice for pilots seeking a high-performance single-engine aircraft that doesn’t compromise on payload versatility.
