AIRCRAFT WEIGHING

NOTE:     The C.A.A. will consider applications from aircraft constructors and operators to weigh certain types of aircraft on a sampling basis. (i.e. representative aircraft, as weighed, would be acceptable for other aircraft of the same build standard).

Aircraft whose Maximum Take-Off Mass exceeds 5700kg shall be re-weighed within two years of the date of manufacture,(Initial weighing). Subsequent check weighing shall be made at intervals not exceeding five years, and at such other times as the C.A.A. may require.   

Aircraft the MTOM of which does not exceed 5700kg, shall be re-weighed at such times as the C.A.A. may require.

JAR-OPS 1 requires re-weighing every four years or nine years if fleet weighing is used. Under JAR-OPS 1, aircraft must also be weighed if any modifications are carried out without knowledge of their effect on the mass and balance.

When an aircraft is weighed, the condition of the aircraft (i.e. the equipment and other items of load such as fluids in tanks) shall be recorded. The equipment installed should not differ from that included in the declared list of Basic Equipment associated with the original Weight and Centre of Gravity Schedule issued or the Loading and Distribution Schedule as appropriate.

The Basic Weight and corresponding Centre of Gravity position shall be determined and entered into the appropriate schedule mentioned in the paragraph above.

The C.A.A. may require that the actual weight of the items of Variable Load be ascertained.

A Weighing Record containing records of the weighing and the calculations involved shall be made available to the C.A.A. and shall also be retained by the operator. When the aircraft is again weighed, the previous Weighing Record shall be retained with the aircraft records.

Operators shall maintain records of all known weight and G of G changes which occur after the aircraft has been weighed and such records shall also be retained by the operator.