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Training Desk Notes (1/6): Improper Loading

August 20, 2020

An improperly loaded or overloaded airplane is a danger to everyone. Improper loading will cause either a forward or an aft shift in the center of gravity on the aircraft. Overloading will cause above normal stresses to the structure and powerplants of the aircraft in addition to adverse effects on flight performance.

Each aircraft has defined forward and aft limits that may change due to configuration or weight. These are limits though, and once surpassed, the aircraft will display abnormal flying conditions. Examples include heavy control forces which are required to raise or lower the nose, decreased range, and uncontrollability in turns. Overloading exceeds a structural limit on the entire aircraft or for specific sections of the aircraft. These increased stresses may cause warping, bending or structural failure to key spars, longerons, and stringers in the aircraft. These over limit conditions can result in many outcomes, ranging from just an annoyance up to a catastrophic event. 

Consider that a recent FAA report states a major airline may be operating with as many as one-third of its 4,000 daily flights with inaccurate weight and balance data. That possibility is not too comforting, to passengers or pilots and operators. Especially when dispatchers, loading crew and, finally, the pilot in charge all review the weight and balance data prior to each flight and make decisions based upon this data. 

Proper weight and balance discipline requires comprehensive training. The initial A&P training on weight and balance is a good beginning, but can be limited at best. Intercomp provides in-depth and comprehensive weight and balance training to commercial, military units, and military contractors. The audience can select options ranging from basic (refresher) weight and balance training to advanced courses, including tools and troubleshooting techniques. With today’s travel restrictions, Intercomp can also offer a live webinar.  

Find more information on Certified Weight & Balance Training
Find more information on Aircraft Scales & Load Cells

Intercomp offers both Military and Civilian focused training for military staff, engineers, contractors, and FAA A&P licensed civilians. Courses are led by instructors benefitting from three decades of weighing experience in both military and commercial venues.  Leveraging a background of weighing hundreds of aircraft, classroom attendees have access to a knowledge base in equipment and operations that is unmatched within the industry in quality, depth, and experience.
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