[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 248 (Wednesday, December 28, 1994)] [Unknown Section] [Page ] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 94-31912] [Federal Register: December 28, 1994] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration [AC 120-27C] Proposed Revision to Advisory Circular--Aircraft Weight and Balance Control AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of availability of proposed advisory circular (AC), and request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of proposed AC 120-27C, Aircraft Weight and Balance Control, for review and public comments. The proposed AC 120-27C provides guidance on acceptable means, but not the only means, for certain certificate holders to obtain approval of a weight and balance control system. DATES: Comments must be received on or before February 27, 1995. ADDRESSES: Copies of proposed AC 120-27C can be obtained from and comments may be returned to: Federal Aviation Administrtion, Flight Standards National Field Office, P.O. Box 20034, Washington, DC 20041; telephone (703) 661-0333, extension 5009. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Benjamin J. Burton, Jr., Federal Aviation Administration, Aircraft Maintenance Division, AFS-300, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202) 267- 3797. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited Interested persons are invited to comment on the proposed AC 120- 27C by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they desire to the address specified above. Commenters must identify the title of the proposed AC and submit comments, in duplicate, to the address specified above. All communications received on or before the closing date for comments will be considered by the Flight Standards National Field Office before issuing the final AC. Comments received on the proposed AC 120-27C may be examined before and after the comment closing date at the Federal Aviation Administration, Flight Standards National Field Office, Gateway Building, suite 131, Washington Dulles International Airport, Washington, DC 20041; weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., except on Federal holidays. Background On October 25, 1990, the FAA issued AC 120-27B, Aircraft Weight and Balance Control, which canceled AC 120-27A, Aircraft Weight and Balance Control, dated May 14, 1980. The FAA requested that the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC) review the existing methods by which standard weights for passengers, carry-on baggage, and checked baggage are established and recommend any necessary revisions to AC 120-27B. The ARAC was chartered in February 1991, to provide recommendations to the FAA on issues related to aviation safety. Discussion Based on the ARAC's recommendations, the FAA proposes to revise AC 120-27B as AC 120-27C. Proposed AC 120-27C recommends standard average passenger weights for conventional airline adult passenger groups (60 percent male/40 percent female mix), male passenger groups, and female passenger groups. The recommended adult passenger group averages provide for two types of operations: (1) Aircraft used by airlines that permit carry-on baggage; and (2) Aircraft with limited cabin stowage capability (i.e., aircraft used by regional airlines) where approved carry-on baggage programs limit each passenger to one carry-on bag. Please note that the weight table recommended by ARAC for aircraft with limited cabin stowage did not contain the three explanatory paragraphs included in the FAA proposal. The FAA has determined that these paragraphs are necessary to fully explain the requirements that must be met in order to use this table. Proposed AC 120-27C also recommends new standard average weights for crewmembers, baggage loaded on domestic flights, baggage loaded on international flights, and baggage loaded on flights by supplemental operators. Appendix 1 of the proposed AC 120-27C provides guidance on acceptable methods for an operator to conduct surveys and to establish male/female ratios of passenger groups or standard average weights of passengers, checked baggage, carry-on baggage, mail, or other normal items in that operator's approved weight and balance control system. Issued in Washington, DC, on December 20, 1994. William J. White, Acting Director, Flight Standards Service. [FR Doc. 94-31912 Filed 12-27-94; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-M