Weight and Balance (Scales)

Arpaul

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Arpaul
I’m looking for the FAA requirements for calibrating scales used in weighing general aviation aircraft. I found a section in the Weight and Balance Handbook (chapter 3) that states the scales should be tested but, nothing definite.

Does anyone know the regulation on this?

I should of mentioned that the this question is related to General Aviation
 
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I’m looking for the FAA requirements for calibrating scales used in weighing general aviation aircraft. I found a section in the Weight and Balance Handbook (chapter 3) that states the scales should be tested but, nothing definite.

Does anyone know the regulation on this?

As long as they are calibrated to NIST standards or other widely accepted standards, you should be ok.
 
They need to be calibrated by the state and federal department of weights and measures to be dead-on balls accurate.
 
I’m looking for the FAA requirements for calibrating scales used in weighing general aviation aircraft. I found a section in the Weight and Balance Handbook (chapter 3) that states the scales should be tested but, nothing definite.

Does anyone know the regulation on this?
There are no calibration requirements set by the FAA.
the new scales are nothing but load cells that when connected to the control box are calibrated by zeroing the cells prior to loading.
The FAA doesn't even specify what type of scale is to be used, So how can they set rules on calibration.
 
They need to be calibrated by the state and federal department of weights and measures to be dead-on balls accurate.
for the FAA,, that is not true.
 
“Dead on balls accurate?”. “It’s and industry term.”
 
From AC120-27E, paragraph 104:

104. What procedures should be used to weigh aircraft?

a. An operator should take precautions to ensure that it weighs an aircraft as accurately as possible. These precautions include checking to ensure that all required items are aboard the aircraft and the quantity of all fluids aboard the aircraft is considered. An operator should weigh the aircraft in still air.

b. An operator should establish and follow instructions for weighing the aircraft that are consistent with the recommendations of the aircraft manufacturer and scale manufacturer. The operator should ensure that all scales are certified and calibrated by the manufacturer or a certified laboratory, such as a civil department of weights and measures, or the operator may calibrate the scale under an approved calibration program. The operator should also ensure that the scale is calibrated within the manufacturer’s recommended time period, or time periods, as specified in the operator’s approved calibration program.

NOTE: If manufacturer’s data is not available, the operator is responsible for developing appropriate weighing instructions for its particular aircraft.
 
I’m looking for the FAA requirements for calibrating scales used in weighing general aviation aircraft. I found a section in the Weight and Balance Handbook (chapter 3) that states the scales should be tested but, nothing definite.

Does anyone know the regulation on this?

No specific reg, but AC43.13 has this:

10-15. PROCEDURES. Accepted procedures
when weighing an aircraft are: (...)

(...) e. The scales should have a current calibration
before weighing begins. Zero and use
the scales in accordance with the scale manufacturer’s
instructions. Platform scales and
suitable support for the aircraft, if necessary,
are usually placed under the wheels of a landplane,
the keel of a seaplane float, or the skis
of a skiplane. Other structural locations capable
of supporting the aircraft, such as jack
pads, may be used. Clearly indicate these
points and the alternate equipment used in the
weight and balance report.
 
From AC120-27E, paragraph 104:

104. What procedures should be used to weigh aircraft?

a. An operator should take precautions to ensure that it weighs an aircraft as accurately as possible. These precautions include checking to ensure that all required items are aboard the aircraft and the quantity of all fluids aboard the aircraft is considered. An operator should weigh the aircraft in still air.

b. An operator should establish and follow instructions for weighing the aircraft that are consistent with the recommendations of the aircraft manufacturer and scale manufacturer. The operator should ensure that all scales are certified and calibrated by the manufacturer or a certified laboratory, such as a civil department of weights and measures, or the operator may calibrate the scale under an approved calibration program. The operator should also ensure that the scale is calibrated within the manufacturer’s recommended time period, or time periods, as specified in the operator’s approved calibration program.

NOTE: If manufacturer’s data is not available, the operator is responsible for developing appropriate weighing instructions for its particular aircraft.

HOW MANY TIMES MUST WE STATE AN AC IS NOT A REGULATION?

And even this AC doesn't give a method of insuring the scales are accurate.
 
No specific reg, but AC43.13 has this:

10-15. PROCEDURES. Accepted procedures
when weighing an aircraft are: (...)

(...) e. The scales should have a current calibration
before weighing begins. Zero and use
the scales in accordance with the scale manufacturer’s
instructions. Platform scales and
suitable support for the aircraft, if necessary,
are usually placed under the wheels of a landplane,
the keel of a seaplane float, or the skis
of a skiplane. Other structural locations capable
of supporting the aircraft, such as jack
pads, may be used. Clearly indicate these
points and the alternate equipment used in the
weight and balance report.
Do you believe that the FAA thinks that is a requirement?
 
A requirement for who?
 
JAWS, This is for a certified mechanic.
 
HOW MANY TIMES MUST WE STATE AN AC IS NOT A REGULATION?

And even this AC doesn't give a method of insuring the scales are accurate.
I didn't suggest it was regulatory; advisory circulars are advisory by definition, but AC120-27E does provide guidance, and different manufacturers specify calibration procedures for their products.
 
I didn't suggest it was regulatory; advisory circulars are advisory by definition, but AC120-27E does provide guidance, and different manufacturers specify calibration procedures for their products.
And it is good guidance, but weren't we looking for a regulation like was requested in post #1
 
Ranks up there with torque wrench calibration. Do you want to lessen liability and increase confidence or only do what is minimally required?
 
All about liability. Actually, for a certificated aircraft the weight must be recorded by certified equipment acceptable to the administrator (FAA). If you use auto racing scales the recorded weights cannot be authorized ( unless somebody is really stupid) and if they are they would be illegal.
 
the new scales are nothing but load cells that when connected to the control box are calibrated by zeroing the cells prior to loading.
So, if my bathroom scale from Walmart reads zero with nothing on it, then it is properly calibrated for weighing my aircraft?
 
All about liability. Actually, for a certificated aircraft the weight must be recorded by certified equipment acceptable to the administrator (FAA).
Got a reference for that?
The new scales are self calibrating. hook up all scales to the master box, set each to 0 then load the aircraft and read the numbers.
 
So, if my bathroom scale from Walmart reads zero with nothing on it, then it is properly calibrated for weighing my aircraft?
I think that's what these dumb dumbs are saying. In the old days before the regs got real serious, an A&E ( before A&P) could use balance scales and calibrate to say "its close enough" those days are over for quite some time.
 
Got a reference for that?
The new scales are self calibrating. hook up all scales to the master box, set each to 0 then load the aircraft and read the numbers.

:confused:
 
Got a reference for that?
FAR 43.13(a):
"He shall use the tools, equipment, and test apparatus necessary to assure completion of the work in accordance with accepted industry practices."

The industry practice states the equipment will be calibrated. One industry practice is under SAE. YMMV, but I have an FAA letter in my name over a torque wrench issue. The example given to me was equipment used to perform the 43 Appdx E & F checks. No calibration requirement listed but the accepted standard/practice stated follow OEM recommendation which is 6 mos.
 
The new scales are self calibrating. hook up all scales to the master box, set each to 0 then load the aircraft and read the numbers.

Please provide a reference to a system as you describe. The ones I use have a 24 month calibration done. 4 channel load cell top of jack style.
 
Please provide a reference to a system as you describe. The ones I use have a 24 month calibration done. 4 channel load cell top of jack style.
I use under the wheel type you simply roll up on. they are the same type that the state troopers use to weigh trucks.
Verify them against a known certified scale.
 
I use under the wheel type you simply roll up on. they are the same type that the state troopers use to weigh trucks.
Verify them against a known certified scale.

That is what I thought.
 
You should look it up online or in old airplane safety training books. What you read about the need to check the scales, it can be applied to any scale. I recently bought a new smart scale https://www.amazon.com/Vont-Smart-Body-Scale-Black/dp/B08XYX8RDR/ for personal use, and yet I often check it before using it. It's great that the results of weighing can be recorded using an app that synchronizes with the scales. I know that when checking airplane scales there are also special programs that record this. In any case, your question can be answered either by a professional in the field or by a textbook on aircraft construction and operation.
 
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