EV-97 Eurostar SL Microlight Maintenance Manual GEN/EUR/04 Issue 4
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18. Weighing the Aircraft and Centre of Gravity Calculation
WARNING
Never exceed the maximum take off weight and C of G. range for any configuration of crew, fuel
and baggage as shown in the flight manual.
The new aircraft is supplied with an empty aircraft Weight and Balance record (see Appendix 3)
which can be used to calculate the loaded aircraft weight and cg position using the data provided in
section 18.2, below (also included in the Pilots Operating Handbook). Microlight aircraft need to be
reweighed every 5 years and a new Weight and Balance record prepared. Any significant changes
or repairs to the aircraft will also require a reweighing. The new empty weight and c of g. position
should be recorded in the Flight Manual, Section 6., Weight and Balance Record / Permitted
Payload Range. Then a new permitted crew weight for fuelling and baggage must be computed
and recorded. The cockpit placard "Load Limits" should also be up-dated. The Eurostar SL must
not be loaded outside its c of g. limit; nor must the all up weight of 472.5 kg and the baggage
allowance of 15 kg be exceeded.
18.1 Empty weight determination
The empty weight of an aircraft includes all operating equipment that has a fixed location and is
actually installed in the aircraft. It includes the weight of the painted aircraft, battery, standard
and optional equipment, engine coolant, hydraulic fluid, brake fluid, maximum oil and unusable
fuel. The aircraft is weighed without crew, usable fuel and baggage.
The following weighing procedure is recommended:
1. Remove excess dirt, grease and moisture from the aircraft before weighing;
2. Empty the aircraft of all equipment which is not fixed such as headsets and maps;
3. Either drain the tanks of all useable fuel, or measure the tank’s contents;
4. Raise the flaps and close the canopy;
5. Weigh the aircraft inside a closed building to prevent errors due to wind;
6. Position and tare (zero) the scales;
7. Place the aircraft on the scales (use boards to run on to the scales or lift the
aircraft - see aircraft jacking)
8. Place the aircraft in a level flight position (use suitable rests under the wheels)
9. Weigh the aircraft and record the values in Weight and Balance Record (make a
copy of standard Record included in section 6 Appendices). If necessary make
the adjustment for fuel remaining in the tank, (from weight and tank location);
10. Compute the weight and C.G. position according to the formula in the Weight and
Balance Record, below
11. Compute and record permitted crew weight for fueling and baggage - see Pilot's
Operating Handbook para. 6.2.
Up-date the placard "Load Limits" (make a new one) and attach it in the cockpit.
