Aircraft Operating Instructions (AOI)
Type:
CT
Series:
CTLS
LSA
Page: 6-1
AU 010 11000
Revision No. 6
Date: 05 Feb 2009
6. WEIGHT AND BALANCE, EQUIPMENT
6.1. Weight
Limits
The following limits ensure the safe operation of the aircraft:
Maximum take-off weight (MTOM)
450 kg … 600 kg ( 992 lbs -1320 lbs)
according to national laws and certification
requirements
Minimum crew weight
60 kg (120 Lbs)
Maximum load per seat
120 kg (260 lbs)
Maximum baggage load, total
50 kg (110 lbs)
… in each compartment / side, max. 25 kg (55 lbs)
Center of gravity range:
0,282 – 0,478 m (11.1in – 18.8 in)
Datum is the wing leading edge
6.2. Weighing
To weigh the aircraft, three scales must be set on a level floor. The aircraft is leveled
by shimming either the nose wheel or both of the main wheels. It is in the correct
position for weighing when the tunnel (where the throttle quadrant is located) in the
cockpit is in the horizontal. The aircraft must also be level span-wise. This can be
determined by placing a level on the cabin roof in the vicinity of the skylight.
Using a plumb bob, the middle of the wheel axles is projected on to the floor and
marked. The same procedure is used to mark the reference datum. A plumb bob is
dropped from the wing leading edge on the outer side of the root rib. The transition to
the fuselage is faired in the root rib area which can lead to an incorrect
measurement. The distance between the wheels must be measured during each
weighing. These values must be then be used in the tabulation. If the original Flight
Design weighing form is used as a spread sheet, the distances must be recorded
with a positive algebraic sign. If the calculations are done manually, one must be
careful to use the proper algebraic signs.
It is easy to make mistakes when weighing, particularly if the scales are interfered
with by a side-load (e.g. due to landing gear strut compression). It is therefore very
important that the weighing process remains free from distortion. Distortion can be
avoided if at least one of the main wheels (better both) is placed on a pair of metal
plates with grease in between. The two plates slide easily on each other which
reduces the tension due to side-loads virtually to zero.
An example of a weighing record is given below. The weighing data for the aircraft as
delivered from the factory is to be found in this Pilot’s Operating Handbook and
Maintenance Manual. It is the responsibility of the owner of the aircraft to ensure that
the aircraft is weighed after any relevant changes (change in equipment; repair
work). Furthermore it is mandatory that the main mass data be recorded on the
relevant page of the aircraft logbook.
