Passenger weight estimation
Light aircraft, limited seating: use actual passenger weights, not airline averages.
- Estimates or averages easily load outside limits, especially with winter clothing.
- Ask passengers their weight. Allow appropriately for clothing (TP 1102, Weight and Balance, Passengers).
- Seating capacity under five: actual weights most accurate. Standard or segmented passenger weights NOT recommended (TC AIM RAC 3.4.7).
Weight when no standard table figure (TC AIM RAC 3.4.1):
| Method | Weight | Used when |
|---|---|---|
| Volunteered | Disclosed weight + 4.5 kg (10 lb) + allowances | No scales, or passenger refuses weighing |
| Estimated | Reasonable estimate + allowances | Actual weight unavailable, and volunteered weight not given or looks understated |
Allowances (TC AIM RAC 3.4.1):
| Allowance | Season | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Carry-on baggage, per passenger | Year-round | 5.9 kg (13 lb) |
| Personal clothing | Summer | 3.6 kg (8 lb) |
| Personal clothing | Winter | 6.4 kg (14 lb) |
- Carry-on: constant, always added, unless flight permits no carry-on baggage.
Infants, 0 to under 2 years (TC AIM RAC 3.4.7(d)):
- Normally weighed together with accompanying adult.
- Infant weight over 10% of adult's weight: weigh and include infant separately, still at infant rate in standard weight tables.
- Infant in own seat: child rate.
Trap: estimate or average on a light aircraft, or volunteered weight without the 4.5 kg (10 lb) and allowances.
References
- TC AIM RAC 3.4.1 (weight and balance definitions)
- TC AIM RAC 3.4.7 (infants; computation note for under five seats)
- TP 1102, Weight and Balance, Passengers