A Review of Aircraft Weight and Balance: Past, Current and Future

Abstract

This project will review the regulatory requirements for aircraft weight and balance as established by the Federal Aviation Administration. This project will also integrate statistical data analysis, charts, and graphs highlighting aviation accidents caused by weight and balance error. With the support of case study findings, this project will review the current technology being used for aircraft weight and balance and recommend changes that may be needed to insure aircraft safety in aviation operations.

Table of Contents

Introduction4

Statement of the Project4

Discussion6

Critical Approach6

Design, Stability and Balance Control6

High Production Rate7

Technical Aspects8

Operational Stages9

Scientific Literacy9

Cultural Literacy11

Importance of Aircraft Weight and Balance11

Control14

Preventive Maintenance and Its Importance14

Aviation Safety17

Accident18

Aviation Management and Operations20

Aviation Legislation and Law21

Aeronautical Science22

Conclusion23

References24

A Review of Aircraft Weight and Balance: Past, Current and Future

Introduction

Weight and balance is considered is considered as one of the most significant factors that affect the safety of military aircraft. It is very dangerous and inefficient to fly an overweight aircraft or an aircraft that has its center of gravity out of limitations. It is the main responsibility of engineers, pilot as well as and the Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) to focus on managing proper weight and balance. In modern military aircrafts, state-of-the-art technology and materials are utilized that help in lifting the maximum amount of weight and carry the aircraft to a longer distance with a high speed. Load requirements of aircraft vary on their types and sizes. For military aircraft, it is highly important to be sturdy and maneuverable. Two characteristics that are common in all types of aircraft is the center of gravity and their sensitivity to weight. There must be a specified range to which center of gravity of aircraft must be adjusted (Kevin, 1999).

Statement of the Project

This project defines the requirements, procedures and command responsibilities relative to the US Military aircraft weight and balance control system. The overall objectives of the system are to provide current and correct information regarding aircraft Basic Weight and moment, and to maintain aircraft Gross Weight and center of gravity within permissible limits in order to ensure safety of flight. This is done to ensure safety of flight. All commands are responsible to assure that all personnel assigned weight and balance responsibility on US Military aircraft are qualified in accordance with service specific requirements.

Personnel assigned as the Weight and Balance Officer must qualify for designation by graduation from the training courses required by COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790.2 series or a commercial equivalent as approved by NAVAIRSYSCOM 4.1.7.

Personnel maintaining aircraft weight and balance records under the supervision of the Weight and Balance Officer must have successfully completed the course required by COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790.2 series.

Aircrew personnel completing DD365-4 Clearance Forms F or equivalent must have successfully completed the appropriate Type Model Series (TMS) training syllabus or successfully completed the course required by COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790.2 series. This qualifies individuals to sign the Computed By block of the Form F.

Personnel assigned responsibility for weighing aircraft (i.e. individuals qualified to lead a weigh team as opposed to those in ...