FX-3 Weight and Balance Record

[viator092]

With a condition inspection coming up I started to work on updating the Weight and Balance Record in Table 6-2 of the FX3 POH. Pete at CC sent me the Word file table (Excel a better format in my opinion). My plan is to pull out the SBS-J16 and swap in an ETX900 or 1200. Figured I account for a forward rack that holds the certificates and POH and a rear rack where I store oil, jump starter and window cleaner. Since these items stay on the plane I've considered these in the Basic Empty Weight. Attached below are the shell and my completed record. The arms are to the center of the battery and to the forward rack and rear rack location. I used the values available in AMM Section 6, pg. 8 to derive the arms.

The record I completed is slightly different format than the original delivered with my tail.

 

[Cactus Charlie]

rear rack where I store oil, jump starter and window cleaner. Since these items stay on the plane I've considered these in the Basic Empty Weight.

No , that is not a valid way to document your empty weight and would not pass FAA inspection, or inspection by a competent A&P.

I maintain my equipment list and W&B using the same CubCrafters template. When the equipment list is updated the same weight and balance information is in the spreadsheet that calculates my flight weight and balance. The stuff that stays in the aircraft is in that spreadsheet not the equipment list.

The overhead "pouch" with the certificates and AFM should have been present at the original factory weighing and should not need to be added again.

 

[viator092]

Interesting. I see now the rack items are accounted for in a basic operating weight along with pilots. Of note, your equipment list has individual weights and arms for the "standard" equipment. Mine didn't from the factory.

 

[viator092]

Gotta think the running equipment list is where you'd account for battery swaps, radio changes, etc.

 

[Cactus Charlie]

Not sure what you mean by "rack items". I initially assumed you were referring to the forward and aft baggage compartments.

The addition of a new radio, or changing a radio to a different type, would require a change to the equipment list and, unless declared as negligible, an update to empty mass, arm, and moment.

I assumed the AFM was in the aircraft for factory weighing but I'm not sure of that. I know that the state of my aircraft when weighed was not as documented and I had to get CubCrafters to correct the delivered weight and balance.

I'm also not sure if the AFM should be part of the empty weight. I suspect it should not be but did not find any authoritative reference.

 

[viator092]

I installed two racks, one behind the rear seat and one on aft wall to hold various items I want with me. They stay on the plane. I agree, they shouldn't be in the BEW. A BOW would include pilots and those items. As for the AFM/POH you'd think it would be accounted for in the BEW since it's required to be on board.

I know I'm splitting hairs with the weight differences but figured it was a good time to update my numbers.

Thanks.