[cc2k]

I like the humorous comments here.

But as a solution to the actual problem, this isn't really the best idea.

Electronic scales (heavy duty ones) are really pretty inexpensive today (especially compared to airplanes and lawsuits). A better solution would be to require commercial carriers to have scale pads under the landing gear at the gate. That way, the pilot and crew could know that the plane isn't overloaded, and that the weight distribution is within acceptable parameters, before pulling away from the gate. Also, you wouldn't have to embarass the customers.

[null and void]

Or mount strain gauges on the landing gear. Same net effect.

[namsman]

Seems like a good suggestion on the face of it, but in practice, it's difficult to impossible to weigh a large aircraft on the ramp. I won't go into everything, but I'll offer one example: If the wind is blowing, it will create lift, reducing the weight indicated on the scales. That's why airplanes are weighed in hangers for the most part.

What is a good idea is the requirement for more frequent weighing to keep the standard allowances current. Consider the effect of an average 10 lb/passenger unknown error on a fully loaded 747: Fuel burn will be well over 1/2% higher than planned. They have to do it correctly though. The only way to keep passengers from hiding their carry-on items is to do the weighing in the jetway, at the airplane door. Once you reach that point, you have everything with you.

I'd personally advocate a large, easy to read LCD display on the scale so that the operator can quickly see and record the number. Plus it will very entertaining to the other passengers.

Namsman sends.

[Wright is right!]

"Electronic scales (heavy duty ones) are really pretty inexpensive today (especially compared to airplanes and lawsuits). A better solution would be to require commercial carriers to have scale pads under the landing gear at the gate. That way, the pilot and crew could know that the plane isn't overloaded, and that the weight distribution is within acceptable parameters."

I've got an even better idea. Have the aircraft manufacturers install sensors on the landing gear that would measure the gear's deflection from empty and dry. The more weight in the aircraft, the greater the gear deflection. Simply matter to have this show up on three LED bar graphs in the cockpit.

This same method is used daily in maritime, where ships routinely have various loading lines painted on their hulls. Where the water line is tells you how much "stuff" is on the ship.

Michael

[Myrddin]

I think they already have such devices built into most commercial aircraft. I fly on an Embraer-320 between Pocatello and Salt Lake City. The staff loading the baggage makes repeated trips to the cockpit to verify the weight and balance with the pilots. They move luggage and/or passengers forward as necessary to get it right.