CJ
The problem with exceeding max weight is that there is no way of knowing what, if any effects there will be on the aircraft. Enstrom use many common parts across the range with different maximum gross weight limits. Some of these parts are lifed the same across the range, others are lifed differently or have different inspection schedules. Clearly Enstrom set these parameters for a reason. Going over limit is unlikely to cause any problem in the short term but is russian roulette in the long term because you cannot predict what will fail or when - if anything. The chances of failure are probably slim but you cannot know the full risks.
Do yourself a favour. Buy some scales, if theres any doubt, weigh the pax, calculate your fuel and endurance. If the sums dont add up, dont do it unless someones life depends on it.
Do I weigh them? - Yes if it looks even close.
Edit: check out the life of the main rotor hub plates on a 280 and a 480 - same part, drastically different life.
Last edited by Gaseous; 10th February 2010 at 18:11.