#12 – WEIGHT AND BALANCE CHANGES

While reviewing the weight and balance data on many Westwinds, we are often finding that maintenance personnel are using the flight crew's Basic Operating Weight figures as the starting point for calculating changes due to the addition, removal, or relocation of equipment, instead of the Basic (or empty) Weight.

A look at page VIII-13 of the flight manual shows that the following are Basic Operating Weight items and are among those that can be removed, installed, relocated, or changed in weight at the whim of the flight crew and the requirements of any given flight:

- Manuals

- Thrust Reverser & Engine Covers

- Removable Ballast (Nose/Tail) - [those 25 lb. lead bricks]

- Tow bar

- Refreshments (galley items)

- Bar, ice chest

- Toilet fluids

- Jack Adapters

- Etc.

If you include the weight of these items (like removable ballast) in your Basic (or empty) Weight and Balance calculations, you are assuming responsibility for their continued and unchanging presence on the aircraft.

And remember, if you pilots accept an erroneous weight and balance entry, the consequences to you could be fatal!

Furthermore, insure that any old weight and balance data is clearly marked "SUPERCEDED".