Load Sheet Completion and Crosscheck Procedures

Purpose and Principle of the Load Sheet

The mass and balance load sheet is the definitive record of an aircraft’s weight and centre of gravity (CG) for each flight. It consolidates all relevant loading data—such as dry operating mass, payload, fuel, and consumables—to confirm the aircraft is within legal and manufacturer-specified limits. The load sheet is also the main communication tool between dispatch, ground handling, and the flight crew regarding the aircraft’s loading status.

Structure and Sections

A standard load sheet is divided into clearly marked sections:

• Aircraft and Flight Identification: Registration, type, flight number, date, and commander’s name.
• Basic Aircraft Data: Dry operating mass and CG.
• Fuel and Consumables: Take-off fuel, trip fuel, and other consumables.
• Payload Components: Passengers, baggage, freight, and ballast.
• Calculated Masses: Zero fuel mass, take-off mass, landing mass.
• Load Distribution: How the load is spread and the resulting CG.
• Limiting Values: Maximum allowable masses and CG positions, often highlighted in boxes for crosschecking.

Load Sheet Completion

To fill a load sheet:

1. Enter all basic aircraft and flight details.
2. Record the dry operating mass and CG.
3. Add payload items (passengers, baggage, freight) and calculate total traffic load.
4. Add fuel and consumables.
5. Calculate zero fuel mass, take-off mass, and landing mass.
6. Compare each calculated mass and CG with the boxed maximum allowable values to ensure compliance.
7. Determine the allowed mass for take-off, allowed traffic load, and any underload.

Crosscheck Procedures

Crosschecking is vital to verify that all figures are correct and within limits:

• Each section’s calculated value must be compared with the corresponding boxed limit.
• Any last-minute changes (LMCs) must be recorded and reflected in the documentation. Only if an LMC exceeds a set threshold is a new load sheet required.
• Both the person preparing the load sheet and the commander must sign (or electronically authenticate) to confirm the data is correct and the aircraft is safely loaded.

Regulatory Context

EU-OPS and the operator’s manual set the standards for load sheet content, completion, and record-keeping. The process is mandatory for every flight, and strict adherence is required for legal and safety reasons.