USAF Aircraft Weight and Balance Chapter 1-2

Introduction to Weight and Balance Control

• This TO outlines the requirements, procedures, and responsibilities for weight and balance control of USAF aircraft.
• It provides information and instructions for accomplishing charts and forms that provide continuous record and control of aircraft weight and balance.

Scope

• The use of this TO is mandatory for all Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and other activities that operate and/or maintain USAF aircraft.
• This TO applies to weight and balance control of all USAF aircraft, including airplanes, rotocraft, and Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs).

Terminology

• The words "shall," "will," "should," and "may" are used to indicate requirements, procedures, and/or responsibilities:
  • "Shall" and "will" indicate mandatory requirements.
  • "Should" indicates a non-mandatory but preferred method.
  • "May" indicates an acceptable or suggested means.

Weight and Balance Control

• Operational aircraft weight and balance control shall be accomplished in accordance with specific aircraft -5 series TO and this TO.
• Weight and balance control is critical to prevent unsatisfactory flight characteristics, performance degradations, or payload reduction.
• Factors affected by weight and balance include:
  • Longitudinal instability
  • Lateral instability
  • Takeoff distance and speed
  • Landing ground run
  • Control forces
  • Stall speeds
  • Range
  • Rate of climb
  • Service ceiling
  • Structural safety factors

Weight and Balance Handbook

• The weight and balance handbook shall be maintained in accordance with Section IV requirements.
• The handbook shall take the highest security classification of the data contained therein.

Charts and Forms

• The standard system of weight and balance control requires the use of several charts and forms, including:
  • DD Form 365: Record of Weight and Balance Personnel
  • DD Form 365-1: Chart A - Basic Weight Checklist Record
  • DD Form 365-2: Form B - Aircraft Weighing Record
  • DD Form 365-3: Chart C - Basic Weight and Balance Record
  • DD Form 365-4: Form F - Weight and Balance Clearance Form
  • Chart E Loading Data (from the aircraft -5 series TO)

Responsibilities and Documentation

• The aircraft manufacturer inserts identifying data on the title page of the weight and balance handbook and completes other applicable charts prior to delivery.
• Qualified weight and balance personnel are responsible for accomplishing changes in weight and balance charts and forms.
• The disposition of weight and balance documentation is governed by AFMAN 37-139.

Additional Resources

• A web page has been developed to share ideas, problems, and solutions within the weight and balance community.
• The web page includes an AWBS, weight and balance topics of interest, and a comment section.
• Other resources include:
  • T.O. 1-1B-50WA-1
  • T.O. 1-1B-50CD-1
  • AFI 11-215
  • AFMAN 37-139

Weight in Aircraft Design

• Weight is a fundamental element in aircraft design, influencing engine requirements, wing area, landing gear, and payload capacity.
• Any weight changes can significantly impact aircraft performance and payload capability.

Weight Terminology

• Figure 2-1 illustrates Air Force aircraft weight terminology, with related definitions found in APPENDIX A and the aircraft -5 series TO.

Weight Limits

• Aircraft are designed with specific weight limits, determined by performance, control, and structural restrictions.
• Exceeding these limits can result in loss of the aircraft and is strictly prohibited.

Determining Aircraft Weight

• Aircraft weight is determined through a combination of actual weighing, accurate record keeping, and proper use of the aircraft -5 series TO.

Floor Loading

• Floor loading is the weight of a load divided by the area of floor it rests on, measured in pounds.
• Floor loading limits and/or weight limits for various aircraft compartments are specified in the aircraft -5 and -9 series TOs.
• Floor loading limits must never be exceeded.

Weight in Aircraft Design

• Weight is a fundamental element in aircraft design, influencing engine requirements, wing area, landing gear, and payload capacity.
• Any weight changes can significantly impact aircraft performance and payload capability.

Weight Terminology

• Figure 2-1 illustrates Air Force aircraft weight terminology, with related definitions found in APPENDIX A and the aircraft -5 series TO.

Weight Limits

• Aircraft are designed with specific weight limits, determined by performance, control, and structural restrictions.
• Exceeding these limits can result in loss of the aircraft and is strictly prohibited.

Determining Aircraft Weight

• Aircraft weight is determined through a combination of actual weighing, accurate record keeping, and proper use of the aircraft -5 series TO.

Floor Loading

• Floor loading is the weight of a load divided by the area of floor it rests on, measured in pounds.
• Floor loading limits and/or weight limits for various aircraft compartments are specified in the aircraft -5 and -9 series TOs.
• Floor loading limits must never be exceeded.

Weight in Aircraft Design

• Weight is a fundamental element in aircraft design, influencing engine requirements, wing area, landing gear, and payload capacity.
• Any weight changes can significantly impact aircraft performance and payload capability.

Weight Terminology

• Figure 2-1 illustrates Air Force aircraft weight terminology, with related definitions found in APPENDIX A and the aircraft -5 series TO.

Weight Limits

• Aircraft are designed with specific weight limits, determined by performance, control, and structural restrictions.
• Exceeding these limits can result in loss of the aircraft and is strictly prohibited.

Determining Aircraft Weight

• Aircraft weight is determined through a combination of actual weighing, accurate record keeping, and proper use of the aircraft -5 series TO.

Floor Loading

• Floor loading is the weight of a load divided by the area of floor it rests on, measured in pounds.
• Floor loading limits and/or weight limits for various aircraft compartments are specified in the aircraft -5 and -9 series TOs.
• Floor loading limits must never be exceeded.

Aircraft Operating Limitations

• Aircraft -5 and -9 series Technical Orders (TOs) specify floor loading limits and/or weight limits for different aircraft compartments.
• Floor loading limits of an aircraft should never be exceeded.