FAA: Weight and Balance Program

Extensive changes to how aircraft weight and balance calculations are made were adopted last year under OpSpec Notice 8900.551 and Advisory Circular 120-27F. The compliance effective date is June 12, 2021. The FAA will no longer publish average passenger or baggage weights. Instead, AC 120-27F provides updated methods operators may use to incorporate standard average passenger, crewmember, and baggage weights into an authorized weight and balance control program. Until June 12, operators will have the option to use actual weights or an approved average weight method they have developed. After June 12, operators that have not received amended OpSpecs/MSpecs/LOAs should use actual weights when determining weight and balance.