By John Q. Hosedrinker I’m surprised that it has taken this long for an airline to start weighing passengers at the gate. After all, Ryanair practically charges you for using oxygen while on the flight, so why not charge based on weight as well? Although this specific airline is using the data to refine their estimates of required fuel volume, it does make me wonder if other airlines will follow suit. Will I end up flying in cargo, or will there be an extra fee for being overweight?
As an aircraft mechanic, I can’t help but wonder why fuel load hasn’t been mentioned more in the discussion. The difference it makes in terms of weight is negligible compared to the weight distribution of passengers on the aircraft. Weight distribution, or the center of gravity (CG), is a critical factor in aviation safety. Improper weight distribution has been the main cause of multiple airplane crashes in the past. In fact, the FAA has always used 170 pounds as the “average person weight” in their calculations, which is still used in general aviation today. However, the average weight of people in today’s world, especially in America, is far from 170 pounds.
I believe that the decision to implement passenger weighing and CG calculations should be adopted by all airlines as an extra safety precaution. It’s voluntary and anonymous, and it would provide more accurate data for weight and balance calculations. This is crucial for fuel considerations, especially on longer flights. By having advanced knowledge of how much the plane weighs, airlines can carry less fuel and reduce costs.
Some people may be concerned that this is a way for airlines to charge passengers based on weight, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. The weighing is voluntary and not related to pricing or tickets in any way. It’s simply a way for airlines to update their estimates of total load and study how it changes seasonally.
It’s important to remember that weight and distribution have always been crucial in flying. Airlines have been using average weights to calculate aircraft weights for decades. However, with the increase in average passenger weights over the years, it’s necessary for airlines to collect new sample data to determine the updated averages.
As someone who has flown on smaller planes, I understand the importance of weight and balance. Improper weight and balance can lead to dangerous situations. I remember a flight that crashed during takeoff because the pilots used outdated average weight numbers, resulting in an overweight plane that couldn’t take off properly.
So, it’s not surprising that airlines are now taking steps to ensure more accurate weight measurements. It’s not about pricing or tickets – it’s about safety and efficiency. By collecting data from passengers and their carry-on luggage, airlines can make more informed decisions about fuel levels and ensure that the aircraft’s weight and balance are within safe limits.
Overall, I believe that the introduction of passenger weighing at the gate is a necessary step for airlines. It ensures the accuracy of weight and balance calculations, which are essential for safety and fuel considerations. Instead of being alarmed or upset about it, we should recognize its importance and embrace it as a positive step towards safer and more efficient air travel.