Generally in commercial operations it would be physically impossible or uneconomically sound to weigh all passengers and crew with hand baggage, or indeed all baggage. Therefore, standard weights are commonly used for crew, adults, children, infants, and in some instances baggage. As an example, a commercial airline operating within New Zealand under Part 121 – Air Operations – Large Aeroplanes must comply with the applicable New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority (NZCAA) Rule Subpart E – Weight and Balance 121.303 Goods, passenger, and baggage weights. This stipulates that any holder of an Air Operators Certificate (AOC) conducting an air operation must have an established method for calculating weights for baggage, passengers and crew members including hand baggage.
Standard Passenger Weights
The NZCAA 121.303 (b) Rule states that standard passenger weights can be established using only one of the following methods:-
All passengers including their hand baggage must be physically weighed.
An air operator may establish a standard weight for all passengers and their hand baggage which must be detailed in their exposition. This must be conducted in accordance with a survey programme acceptable to the Director of the NZCAA.
Applicable standard weights to be used as specified by the NZCAA and documented in Rule Part 121.303 (b) (3).
Standard Crew Weights
The NZCAA 121.303 (c) Rule states that standard crew weights can be established using only one of the following methods:-
All crew members including their hand baggage must be physically weighed.
An air operator may establish a standard weight for all crew members and their hand baggage which must be detailed in their exposition. This must be conducted in accordance with a survey programme acceptable to the Director of the NZCAA.
Applicable standard weights to be used as specified by the NZCAA and documented in Rule Part 121.303 (c) (3).
When a Passenger or Crew Members Weight Exceeds the Standard
NZCAA Rule 121.303 (f) stipulates that if the weight of a passenger or crew member including their hand baggage is clearly greater than the standard weight being used, then the standard weight is to be adjusted to more accurately reflect the actual weight. This is commonly found with sports teams travelling, and many airlines have established a standard sports weight category that is greater than a standard weight. This is a specific entry made when checking in these groups to identify them as sportsmen thereby adjusting their standard weights.
Standard Baggage Weights
The NZCAA Rule 121.303 (d) states that the weight of checked baggage must be established using only one of the following methods:-
All baggage must be physically weighed.
An air operator may establish a standard weight for all baggage which must be detailed in their exposition. This must be conducted in accordance with a survey programme acceptable to the Director of the NZCAA.
References
1 : Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand. (2010). Civil aviation rules, part 121 – air operations – large aeroplanes. Retrieved from http://www.caa.govt.nz/rules/Rule_Consolidations/Part_121_Consolidation.pdf