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Old 17th September 2012 | 14:13
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Jack Carson
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 376
Likes: 4
From: Durham, NC USA
There may be more than component life issues

Issues with respect to operating an aircraft outside of its prescribed weight and balance limitations are far more than just what physical effect it may have on the life of airframe and components. Many variables come into play while operating outside of published limitations. First amongst them to be considered is: Has the aircraft ever been tested in the condition or configuration? If not the following questions should be addressed.
• Are adequate control margins available to permit controlled flight throughout the flight envelope? As an example collective range may become an issue when operating above the published maximum. When increasing the gross weight limitations on the MH-53 the collective up stop was reached during takeoff thus requiring some restrictions on takeoff profiles and later physically moving the collective range. The aircraft’s light weight ability to autorotate was compromised in favor takeoff performance.
• Operating below the minimum takeoff weight as published may have similar issues.
• Lastly, operations outside the published limitations as listed the aircraft’s flight manual is in violation of the FARs. Should a mishap occur, it would not go well for the PIC if he had knowingly operated outside those published limitations.
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