Our Ask a Tech feature for this month addresses a common snag that tags along with older aircraft that have seen some upgrades over the years. While major work like avionics retrofits, engine upgrades and even paint generally require a revision to the aircraft’s weight and balance report, it doesn’t always get done. And even when it does, the end result is only as accurate as the data the technician has to work with.
A reader with a new-to-her Cessna is skeptical about the accuracy of the data in the existing weight and balance report and the shop suggested she have the plane weighed. That’s the right answer. Here’s what it takes.