On Sat, 15 Oct 2005 19:51:19 -0400, Andrew Gideon
wrote:

Some work was done on an airplane. The new W&B is of the "removed/added"
sort and computes a new empty weight and moment arm. But the document
doesn't state the gross weight.

The changes were all avionics; no airframe or power plant work was done. So
I'd expect the gross weight to remain unchanged from the prior W&B.

But does the new W&B need to state the gross weight, even if it is
unchanged? If not, do we then need both documents to cover the legalities
of documentation in the airplane?

Or did the person that wrote the new W&B err?

- Andrew

The aircraft gross weight, also called maximum weight,is the maximum
authorized weight of the aircraft and all of its equipment as specified in
the Type Certificate Data Sheets (TCDS) for the aircraft.

It is usually listed on the loading graph or chart supplied by the
manufacturer, or perhaps elsewhere in the POH/AFM.

The FAA publishes a handbook (FAA-H-8083-1) on weight and balance. With
regard to GA aircraft, the following seems to pertain:

"Weight and Balance Revision Record

"Aircraft manufacturers use different formats for their weight and balance
data, but Figure 5-2 is typical of a weight and balance revision record.

"...

"The weight and balance revision sheet should clearly show the revised
empty weight, empty weight arm and/or moment index, and the new useful
load."

HOWEVER, figure 5-2 shows NO sign of an entry of useful load (or maximum
weight). It shows the old empty weight of the airplane; the various
adjustments for removal and addition of various avionics with regard to
weight, arm and moment; and the computed new empty weight, moment and CG of
the aircraft.

And you were looking for clarity?

Good luck. Bottom line -- it's probably not a requirement. And changes in
allowable maximum weight should be reflected in the STC data for the
modification that allowed that change; and documented according to the
requirements in that STC.

"We're from the FAA, and we're not happy until you're not happy!"



Ron (EPM) (N5843Q, Mooney M20E) (CP, ASEL, ASES, IA)