seating restrictions applied
our airline, the one with the slight blue tint in STN, have open seating as well.
on the load sheet, there are rules 1 and 2, that are used depending upon number of passengers at gate. they will block some rows up front and in back if light load, but if getting close to full, open all rows.
it keeps the weight and balance within certain limits that have been examined by the respective CAA, (island to the west of here).
don't ask what the exact numbers of pax and rows to be blocked are, since i don't have a form here at hand, but do so whenever on the aircraft and the number ones know it by heart.
it is true that once airborne, one can feel guite a variation of flight characteristics. but we are assured that all will be fine and i haven't lost an aircraft yet!!!