Weight Control Authority Training Syllabus

CAO 100.28 Appendix 1 specifies the syllabus of training required for the issue of a Weight Control Authority.

The syllabus is tabled below.

1. General

  • Documents – Relevant Civil Aviation Orders; Aircraft Weighing Summary; Flight Manuals; Load Data Sheets; Loading Systems; Certificates of Airworthiness; Aircraft Manufacturer’s data relating to weight control and preparation of aircraft for weighing; Record of Alterations.
  • Weight Control Officer – responsibilities and privileges; preparation and approval of loading data; procedure for amendment of flight manual loading information.
  • Terms – datum; empty weight; operating weight; maximum take-off weight; ramp weight; maximum landing weight; zero fuel weight; specific gravity; loading system; fixed equipment; removable equipment; centre of gravity; centre of gravity limits; mean aerodynamic chord; unusable fuel and oil.
  • Principles and purpose of weight control – periodic reweighing of aircraft.
  • The Principle of Moments – arm; moment; moment index; constant.
  • Conversion Factors – Imperial to SI Units, for mass and length; Imperial and USA to SI units, for liquid volume.

2. Equipment and Control

  • Plumb-bobs and levels – uses and serviceability checks.
  • Scales – types; accuracy; repeatability and calibration requirements; precautions during transport and operation.
  • Preparation of aircraft – jacking and slinging; fuel tank draining procedure and fire precautions; equipment lists.
  • Consecutive and independent weighing requirements – permissible discrepancies between weighings; factors affecting accuracy of weighing.

3. Weight and Balance Calculations

  • Principles of calculations – plus and minus quantities
  • Empty Weight – methods of determination; typical deductions and additions; standard weights for engine fuel, oil, passengers and crew.
  • Moment index – calculations fore and aft of datum
  • Empty weight c.g. – method of determination; conversion of c.g. position expressed in distance from datum, as a percentage of M.A.C. and vice versa.
  • Compilation of Aircraft Weighing Summary and Load Data Sheet

4. Weight and Balance Extreme Conditions

  • Determination of weight and balance extreme conditions.
  • Loading Systems – cockpit and compartment placards; loading graphs and tables for disposable load; allowable weight / moment; centre of gravity graphs and tables; floor plans.
  • Ballast – Uses of fixed and and disposable ballast.

5. Weight Control in Service

  • Record of Alterations form – purpose; compilation.
  • Reweighing requirements.

Additional Course Content

The course offered includes all of the CASA mandated contents. It also includes practical experience weighing aircraft and developing the required documentation.

Our course places addition emphasis on preparing you for the WCAPT2 examination and the types of questions that are typically included in it.

For more details about weight control authority training please contact us.