Stache said:
I would like to point out experimental aircraft are not required to follow same rules as type certificated (T/C) FAR 43.1 excludes them. However T/C aircraft are a different story and A&P's are bound by FAR 65 for their limitations, weight and balance is part of their limitations. Owner/operator are bound by FAR 91 subpart E for maintenance and record entries. Subpart E states owner/operator are required to make sure maintenance persons make a record entry for work performed and give approval for return to service this includes weight and balance.
As pointed out Preventive Maintenance does not cover weight and balance. This is why it is the responsibility of the A&P during inspections to check the numbers to make sure they add up. If the numbers don't add up the mechanic has a duty to notify the owner to have the aircraft reweighted. The mechanic should write this up as a problem that needs to be fixed. This will then put the responsibility on the owner to have a person (A&P) with calibrated scales weight the aircraft. If you live in Northern California I know a person who will travel to your aircraft to weight it for about $200.00. He also teachs classes on weight and balance for free.
A great FAA book on this subject is FAA-H8083-1 Aircraft Weight and Balance Handbook. In the handbook it states mechanics must provide the pilot with current and accurate aircraft weight information and where its EWCG is located. The pilot in command has the responsibility to know the weight of the load, CG, maximum allowable gross weight, and CG limits of the aircraft.
I have a couple of copies of the handbook in the office if someone really needs one. I think it is very important that owners know how to perform weight and balance this way you can keep your mechanic honest. However to make your weight and balance a current and legal document it needs to be signed off by a A&P mechanic. Just remember the key to weight and balance is having the proper equipment (calibraded scales) FAR 43.13(a) and following the aircraft manufactures procedures. This can be done under the direct supervision of an A&P. If you as a pilot assist the mechanic your name needs to be in the record entry along with the the mechanics FAR 43.9.
Just one A&P/IA opinion.
Stache
Of course it is not preventive maintenance, it is not even maintenance, So why does it require a return to service?
Nothing on the aircraft is changed, or worked on. It was in an airworthy condition when it was weighed, and will remain airworthy, without a return to service signoff.
FAR part 65 does not say anything about weighting, or computing CG
§65.81 General privileges and limitations.
(a) A certificated mechanic may perform or supervise the maintenance, preventive maintenance or alteration of an aircraft or appliance, or a part thereof, for which he is rated (but excluding major repairs to, and major alterations of, propellers, and any repair to, or alteration of, instruments), and may perform additional duties in accordance with §§65.85, 65.87, and 65.95. However, he may not supervise the maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration of, or approve and return to service, any aircraft or appliance, or part thereof, for which he is rated unless he has satisfactorily performed the work concerned at an earlier date. If he has not so performed that work at an earlier date, he may show his ability to do it by performing it to the satisfaction of the Administrator or under the direct supervision of a certificated and appropriately rated mechanic, or a certificated repairman, who has had previous experience in the specific operation concerned.
(b) A certificated mechanic may not exercise the privileges of his certificate and rating unless he understands the current instructions of the manufacturer, and the maintenance manuals, for the specific operation concerned. [Doc. No. 1179, 27 FR 7973, Aug. 10, 1962, as amended by Amdt. 65-2, 29 FR 5451, Apr. 23, 1964; Amdt. 65-26, 45 FR 46737, July 10, 1980
65.85 Airframe rating; additional privileges.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a certificated mechanic with an airframe rating may approve and return to service an airframe, or any related part or appliance, after he has performed, supervised, or inspected its maintenance or alteration (excluding major repairs and major alterations). In addition, he may perform the 100-hour inspection required by part 91 of this chapter on an airframe, or any related part or appliance, and approve and return it to service.
(b) A certificated mechanic with an airframe rating can approve and return to service an airframe, or any related part or appliance, of an aircraft with a special airworthiness certificate in the light-sport category after performing and inspecting a major repair or major alteration for products that are not produced under an FAA approval provided the work was performed in accordance with instructions developed by the manufacturer or a person acceptable to the FAA. [Doc. No. 1179, 27 FR 7973, Aug. 10, 1962, as amended by Amdt. 65-10, 32 FR 5770, Apr. 11, 1967; Amdt. 65-45, 69 FR 44879, July 27, 2004]
