1-1] The pilot in command of the aircraft has the responsibility on every flight to know the maximum allowable weight of the aircraft and its CG limits.
Who are the responsible for maintaining of weight and balance record current?
Amateur-built aircraft must have this information determined and available at the time of certification. The FAA-certificated mechanic or repairman who maintains the aircraft keeps the weight and balance records current, recording any changes that have been made because of repairs or alterations.
How do airlines do weight and balance?
A: Many airlines use computer weight and balance programs. The airplane is divided into zones and the number of passengers in each zone is entered in the program . This allows for the balance of the airplane to be determined. It is likely that your flight was near a limit and they did not want people changing zones.
Who is responsible for the proper loading of an aircraft prior to takeoff?
The pilot controls loading and fuel management (the two variable factors that can change both total weight and CG location) of a particular aircraft.
Is weight and balance required for every flight?
It doesn’t require that you do a weight and balance for each flight . ... If operating close to the weight and balance limits of an aircraft, a wise pilot will not only run the numbers to ensure compliance with aircraft operating limitations, but will also keep his or her computation in the event of a ramp check.
How weight and balance affect the performance of an aircraft?
What effects can weight and balance have on an aircraft? If an airplane is heavier than its maximum gross weight, the airplane’s... takeoff run will be longer because the takeoff speed will be higher. rate and angle of climb performance will be reduced .
How is weight and balance calculated?
- Ascertain from the pilot’s operating handbook the empty weight of the aircraft and determine the weights of people, baggage, and fuel.
- Multiply each weight by the arm—the distance from the reference datum—to find the moment.
- Add all the weights to find the gross weight.
Do airlines know your weight?
“ Airlines do not ask passengers how much they weigh , and they’re not about to start doing so.” ... American and Southwest Airlines told Insider that they use figures from the CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to calculate weight and balance.
What happens if a plane is too heavy?
If the plane is too heavily loaded, then you will be unable to take off . (You might be able to get a meter or two above the ground due to a phenomenon called “ground effect”, but you could not climb any higher.)
Do planes have weight limits?
There is no set weight limit for passengers on commercial flights in the U.S. , but some airlines, most notably Southwest, require customers who cannot fit in one seat to book a second. ... Call the airline you wish to fly and ask about passenger size regulations.
What tasks are completed prior to weighing an aircraft to determine its empty weight?
What tasks are completed prior to weighing an aircraft to determine its empty weight? Remove all items except those on the aircraft equipment list , drain fuel and fill hydraulic reservoir.
Can a person survive in the cargo hold of a plane?
There are serious risks associated with the extreme conditions people face if they try to travel in the undercarriage of a plane. These include being crushed when landing gear retracts, frostbite, hearing loss, tinnitus and acidosis – the build-up of acid in body fluids which can cause coma or death.
What is the document required to present to the pilot in command before flight?
A pilot must carry a government issued photo ID, pilot certificate, and medical certificate . When exercising the pilot privileges as a required flight crewmember, the pilot must have in physical possession, or readily accessible in the aircraft, a valid pilot certificate or special authorization.
How does weight affect flight?
When weight is increased on an aircraft, it needs to fly at a higher angle-of-attack to produce more lift , opposing the aircraft’s increase in weight. This increases both the induced drag created by the wings and the overall parasite drag on the aircraft.
What Preflight action must a pilot perform prior to any flight?
Initial Preflight Actions:
Pilots in command shall , before beginning a flight, become familiar with all available information concerning that flight.
What is arm and moment?
(A moment arm is the distance from a datum [reference point or line] to the applied force .) For aircraft weight and balance computations, “moments” are expressed in terms of the distance of the arm times the aircraft’s weight, or simply, inch-pounds. ... The pilot can control the magnitude of the forces.
