In article tman inv@lid writes:
Flown C172's for quite a while, and never had anybody in the back.
Now I'm planning on quite a trip, with 2 pax and luggage.

When I fill the fuel to the *tabs*, calc everyone's weight honestly and
consider baggage -- I'm 75 lbs over the 2450 gross on departure. Maybe
100 over gross if I assume a "lie about weight" factor or some
inaccuracy with filling the tanks. Now I'm scratching my head about
just how risky this is. I know (others) have pushed over gross in these
planes way more under worse conditions, and have almost always gotten
away with it.

"almost alway gotten away with it". What of those that didn't get away
with it?

Another poster quoted a couple of NTSB accident reports. Do you want to
be the star of another one, while the rest of us say "gee, he was stupid"?

You probably won't get nailed for a few pounds over gross, but when something
else goes wrong, then you will have less margin.

Remember, the 172 used to have a MTOW of 2300 pounds. When you tell yourself
that the number has been raised, consider that you are STARTING WITH THE RAISED
VALUE.


Perhaps it is time to talk to the instructor about a few hours dual in
a C-182. Perhaps he can throw in aeronautical decision making at the
same time.

Alan