Subject:- Use of standard weights of Crew and Passengers for preparation of load and trim sheet.

Rule 58 of Aircraft Rules, 1937, stipulates that every aircraft shall be weighed and its centre of gravity determined. The requirements of the Rule have been further clarified in Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), Section 2 Airworthiness, Series 'X', Part II wherein it has been stated in para 10.1 that the weights of crew members, passengers and freight shall be determined by actual weighment unless the operator decides to adopt calculations of the weight on the basis of standard weights of Male, Female, Child & Infant. These standard weights were required to be approved by DGCA. It was noticed that different operators have been taking different standard weights of Crew and Passengers for calculating the load and centre of gravity of the aircraft. In order to standardise these weights, it has been decided that the weights of crew and passengers, including their hand baggages shall not be lower than the following weights:-

1. Crew - 85 (75+10) kgs.
2. Adult passenger (both Male & Female) - 75 kgs.
3. Child (less than 12 years) - 35 kgs.
4. Infant (less than 2 years) - 10 kgs. 

The above Civil Aviation Requirements have been accordingly amended. All operators, therefore, must ensure that the standard weights of Crew and Passengers used for computing the load and centre of gravity should not be lower than the above weights. The contents of this Circular should be immediately brought to the notice of all concerned and commanders be advised to check this while accepting the load and trim sheet. A copy of the instructions issued in this regard should be forwarded to this office.

  ( V.K. Chandna )

Director Air Safety

for Director General of Civil Aviation

Date : 12th May, 1993

Place : New Delhi