Plane too heavy?!

[martin.cowan]

I paid my first visit to Loondon City yesterday for a flight to Brussels. Got to the gate to be met with a PA announcement to the effect that the plane (Dash 8-300) was overweight and had to lose two passengers...and all the hold baggage!! To cap it all, when we did finally get going, there were certainly more than 2 seats free.

It was a pretty warm and humid day, and I guess the runway at LCY isn't huge, but then we're not talking a 747 here. Any suggestions from the pros?

[Kaptin M]

Sounds as though they were carrying a fuel load [that is a MUST], that limited their take-off weight, or perhaps single engine enroute altitude capability. Fuel loads are dependant on many factors, least of which is not departure, destination, alternate, and enroute weather [how was Brussells weather?], and additionally, Air traffic Control [ATC] holding requirements.

Even though there were 2 spare seats, the aeroplane would still have been at maximum take-off, and/or landing weight.

[Pom Pax]

The forecast for that day was A light easterly wind. Max temp 63-68f (17-20c).

Anybody care to do a few sums?

[Kaptin M]

Pom Pax, an aviation forecast is quite a deal more detailed than what you've given above. Included are such items as cloud [amount, and base] fog, rain [intensity], haze, mist, visibility, and periods when the weather conditions are predicted to vary.

Unfortunately, a light Easterly wind, with a max. temp. gives no indication of any of the other necessary info.

[Dr. Spin]

sorry finger trouble

[This message has been edited by Dr. Spin (edited 17 July 2000).]