How do pilots know the weight of passengers?

Originally Answered: How do aircrafts know their passengers' weights? To be more specific, most airlines are on an approved weight and balance control system, where they use average weights for a typical adult and child, and the weight of their bags, during different flying periods.



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Airlines estimate passenger's weight based on gender and age Rather than weighing passengers, airlines use a set calculation that estimates the weight of a male, female, child, and all their carry-on.

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In the US there's no specific weight limit in the regulations. Instead, they just say that you must be capable of performing the duties of a pilot, e.g. 14 CFR 61.113: The general medical standards for a first-class airman medical certificate are: [...]

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Most airlines will allow you to check one bag and have one carry-on bag. There is normally a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds per checked bag as well as a size restriction. The most common maximum size bag allowed is 62 linear (total) inches. A common size bag for checking through is: 27 x 21 x 14.

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What about stepping on a scale? Many reacted less-than-fondly to an announcement earlier this month that Korean Air, a South Korea-based airline, planned to weigh passengers before boarding. A representative for the airline told CNBC the practice would last for about three weeks, and is required by law.

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So can you expect to find yourself on a scale before boarding your next domestic flight? Likely, no, but it isn't impossible. The U.S. does not require airlines to weigh passengers as South Korea does. However, a 2019 advisory from the FAA said airlines can weigh passengers, according to CNBC.

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Check your luggage, pass through TSA, show your driver's license, scan your boarding pass. What about stepping on a scale? Many reacted less-than-fondly to an announcement earlier this month that Korean Air, a South Korea-based airline, planned to weigh passengers before boarding.

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Yes, a weight and balance issue can be more critical on smaller airplane because a even a small error accounts for a larger percentage of the total weight. A 500-lb. error on an airplane that weighs 5,000 lbs., adds up to a larger percentage of the total weight.

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Weight and balance control should be a matter of concern to all pilots. The pilot controls loading and fuel management (the two variable factors that can change both total weight and CG location) of a particular aircraft.

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For an airplane, weight is a force which is always directed towards the center of the earth. The magnitude of this force depends on the mass of all of the parts of the airplane itself, plus the amount of fuel, plus any payload on board (people, baggage, freight, ...).

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In general, obese passengers on airlines who require a seatbelt extender and/or cannot lower the armrests between seats are asked to pay for a second seat on their flight, unless there are two empty seats together somewhere on the plane. Special size passengers have little to no choice when it comes to this rule.

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In general, obese passengers on airlines who require a seatbelt extender and/or cannot lower the armrests between seats are asked to pay for a second seat on their flight, unless there are two empty seats together somewhere on the plane.

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The FAA can also allege careless or reckless operation in violation of §91.13 for flying over gross weight. The safety risks of overweight operation are beyond the scope of this article, but they are substantial (for more information, see AOPA Air Safety Institute resources on preflight planning).

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Many have carry-on weight limits, which low-cost carriers usually enforce, weighing the carry-on and tagging it as cabin luggage. Full-service airlines rarely bother. One reason they don't measure your weight is that most people wouldn't feel comfortable getting weighed in front of strangers, then charged for that.

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Weighing. If you have both checked and carry on luggage, usually both are going to be weighed at the check-in/luggage drop. If you only have a carry on and check-in online you have small chances to have your luggage weighed, however it might not be true if you apparently struggle with it.

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If your carry-on is oversized (and doesn't physically fit inside the overhead compartments) or you encounter a strict airline employee, they will ask you to check it in at the gate.

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There are no specific height restrictions for pilots under FAA rules. Flight schools and commercial airlines accept pilots for training as long as they are physically able to reach the controls and obtain a full rudder deflection in the aircraft they will operate.

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