Pilot-in-command weight and balance duty

Weight and balance: PIC's legal duty, redone for every flight (TC AIM RAC 3.4.2).

Recognize effect on performance and handling, especially combined with performance-reducing factors (TC AIM RAC 3.4.2):

• Contaminated runways
• Aircraft icing
• Degraded engine performance
• Turbulence
• High ambient temperatures
• Emergencies

Weight or CG limits not observed (TC AIM RAC 3.4.2):

• Legal condition for operation not met
• Airworthiness certificate nullified

Documentation (TP 1102):

• Current W&B data carried with aircraft documentation
• Not airworthy unless loaded per that data
• Observe operational loading placards scrupulously
• PIC must know all loading information: permissible loading and its correct disposition

Report (TC AIM RAC 3.4.4):

• Preparer: crew, or another qualified person the company or operator authorizes
• Responsibility stays: PIC ensures report accurately reflects actual load
• PIC also ensures load within max allowable weight for any phase of flight

Reevaluation (PHAK ch.5):

• W&B data reevaluated often
• Certification weighing not valid indefinitely: equipment changes or modifications affect it

Trap: someone else preparing or signing the W&B paperwork does not excuse PIC from verifying it; PIC stays responsible for limits regardless of who did the math.

Practice