Get Dd Form 365 3

Anytime weight or center of gravity is changed, the mechanic must update the aircraft weight and balance. This information must be available to the pilot prior to flight, and is often included in the POH as an additional sheet or otherwise copied into the flight manual.

“You need to have the current weight and balance data on board the aircraft. This includes basic empty weight and moment, as well as the approved envelope for the aircraft. FAR 91.9 prohibits operation of the aircraft without complying with the operating limitations.

Basic empty weight (GAMA)—the standard empty weight plus the weight of optional and special equipment that have been installed. Center of gravity (CG)—the point about which an aircraft would balance if it were possible to suspend it at that point.

Empty weight means the weight of the airframe, engines, propellers, rotors, and fixed equipment. Empty weight excludes the weight of the crew and payload, but includes the weight of all fixed ballast, unusable fuel supply, undrainable oil, total quantity of engine coolant, and total quantity of hydraulic fluid.

Multiply each weight by the arm—the distance from the reference datum—to find the moment. Add all the weights to find the gross weight. Add all the moments to find the total moment. Divide the total moment by the gross weight to find the center of gravity.

The A&P mechanic or repairman conducting an annual or condition inspection must ensure the weight and balance data in the aircraft records is current and accurate. It is the responsibility of the pilot in command to use the most current weight and balance data when operating the aircraft.

Few performance or safety items are more important than knowing that your flight is within limits. The regulations do not explicitly require you to calculate your weight and balance before every flight, however it is implied.