1404. Primary System Certification Considerations for On-Board Weight and Balance Systems

Paper

Abstract

Many aircraft operators and aviation regulatory agencies are interested in a certifiable on-board weight and balance system for use in lieu of the conventional calculated manifest weight and center of gravity data. WEICO Corporation is committed to provide such a system to the aviation industry. The basic requirements for certification of an on-board real-time primary weight and balance system are outlined and the basic abilities of the several available on-board systems t o meet these requirements are compared in terms of their inherent and fundamental characteristics. The available systems are shown to differ fundamentally in their abilities to meet primary system certification requirements, when configured with the minimum components to do the basic measurements. Certification of several of these systems is probably not practical. Tailoring of the certification program to the basic system and sensor approach will certainly be necessary. The certification process will be enhanced by the early involvement and commitment of the aircraft manufacturers as well as the equipment manufacturer, aircraft operators, and regulatory agencies.