The weight of an aircraft and its balance are extremely important for operating an aircraft in a safe and efficient manner. When a manufacturer designs an aircraft and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifies it, the specifications identify the aircraft’s maximum weight and the limits within which it must balance. The maximum allowable weight is based on the surface area of the wing, and how much lift it will generate at a safe and appropriate airspeed. If a small general aviation airplane, for example, required a takeoff speed of 200 miles per hour (mph) to generate enough lift to support its weight, that would not be safe. Taking off and landing at lower airspeeds is certainly safer than doing so at a higher speed.
Where an aircraft balances is also a significant factor in determining if the aircraft is safe to operate. An aircraft that does not have good balance can exhibit poor maneuverability and controllability, making it difficult or impossible to fly. This could result in an accident, causing damage to the aircraft and injury to the people on board. Safety is the primary reason for concern about an aircraft’s weight and balance.
Need and Requirements for Aircraft Weighing Every aircraft type certificated by the FAA, before leaving the factory for delivery to its new owner, receives a weight and balance report as part of its required aircraft records. The weight and balance report identifies the empty weight of the aircraft and the location at which the aircraft balances, known as the center of gravity. If the manufacturer chooses to do so, it can weigh every aircraft it produces and issue the weight and balance report based on that weighing. As an alternative, the manufacturer is permitted to weigh an agreed upon percentage of a particular model of aircraft produced, perhaps 10 to 20 percent, and apply the average to all the aircraft. After the aircraft leaves the factory and is delivered to its owner, the need or requirement for placing the aircraft on scales and reweighing it varies depending on the type of aircraft and how it is used. For a small general aviation airplane being used privately, such as a Cessna 172, there is no FAA requirement that it be periodically reweighed. There is, however, an FAA requirement that the airplane always have a current and accurate weight and balance report. If the weight and balance report for an aircraft is lost, the aircraft must be weighed and a new report must be created. If the airplane has new equipment installed, such as a radio or a global positioning system, a new weight and balance report must be created. If the installer of the equipment wants to place the airplane on scales and weigh it after the installation, that is a perfectly acceptable way of creating the new report. If the installer knows the exact weight and location of the new equipment, it is also possible to create a new report by doing a series of mathematical calculations.
What Is An Aircraft Weighing Scale?
An aircraft weighing scale is a device that uses load cells, designed to measure force or weight, to accurately determine the weight of an aircraft. This essential equipment plays a crucial role in aviation safety by ensuring that aircraft are loaded within designated weight capacities, preventing potential hazards associated with overloading. Moreover, the scale facilitates the calculation of the aircraft’s center of gravity, a critical parameter for stable flight performance. By providing these vital measurements, aircraft weighing scales contribute significantly to the safe and efficient operation of aircraft, maintaining optimal balance and adherence to safety regulations.
What Are Aircraft Weighing Scales Used For?
The aircraft weighing scale is used for maintaining aviation safety and operational efficiency. Its primary function lies in enforcing strict adherence to designated weight capacities, safeguarding against the risks associated with overloading, such as structural failure or loss of control. Beyond safety considerations, the scale plays a role in calculating the aircraft’s center of gravity, crucial for ensuring stable flight performance and avoiding hazardous pitch and roll maneuvers. Additionally, the scale is used in optimizing cargo loading by strategically placing it to achieve the desired center of gravity and maximize payload capacity, enhancing overall aircraft performance. The scale also aids in identifying and correcting weight imbalances in individual components during inspections, contributing to both safety and operational effectiveness. Whether in pre-flight checks, post-maintenance inspections, or storage activities, the aircraft weighing scale remains a key element in upholding weight and balance requirements, contributing significantly to aviation safety and proper maintenance.
Regulatory standards typically include:
- Initial Weighing: Aircraft must be weighed upon delivery or after significant modifications. This initial weight must be recorded and reported.
- Periodic Reweighing: Regular reweighing is required to account for changes in aircraft configuration or weight due to modifications or accumulated changes.
Weighing Accuracy: Use of calibrated and certified weighing equipment to ensure precision
Conclusion
Regulatory requirements for aircraft weighing and measurement are designed to ensure safety, performance, and compliance. By adhering to international and national regulations, aviation professionals can maintain the accuracy of weight and balance data, thus contributing to the overall safety and efficiency of aircraft operations.
Sources: CROSSCO.COM