of the aircraft. The letter R denotes items mounted on the exterior of the fuselage, and the letter F may be used to indicate those items to which access if gained from the fuselage.
The equipment list is divided into sections that lists the items pertaining to that particular section of the aircraft. Individual items within each section are numbered, as nearly as possible, in the sequence of their physical location, generally from front to rear. Each section is headed by a notation, such as "Section B, pilot's compartment stations 106-301." Each section begins with page 1; with the addition of equipment items, the necessary pages can be inserted and numbered in the proper sequence.
The AIR shortages form must be completed to identify shortages of AIR items and mission- essential items that are not available for transfer concurrent with the aircraft. The original signed copy of this form is retained by the transferring activity as a permanent record of transfer. A second copy of the form remains in the AIR and is delivered to the accepting activity. A third copy of the form is forwarded to the ACC/TYCOM of the transferring activity. A fourth copy is forwarded to the appropriate COMFAIR/ functional wing. In the case of an aircraft transfer between ACC/TYCOMs, the third copy of the form is forwarded to the ACC/TYCOM of the accepting activity.
When an aircraft is to be transferred on site, designated inventory teams from the transferring and accepting activities jointly inventory the aircraft. They record, in the appropriate column of the AIR equipment list, the quantity of each item on board the aircraft at the time of transfer. When a ferry pilot is required to effect an aircraft transfer, two inventories are to be made-one prior to the ferry flight by the transferring activity and one upon completion of transfer by the accepting activity. The aircraft ferry pilot will not participate in these inventories EXCEPT to accept custody of pilferable and classified equipment from the transferring activity and to transfer custody of these items to the accepting activity.
When shortages of inventory items are revealed in preparing an aircraft for transfer, every effort will be made to locate the items prior to transfer. However, transfer of the aircraft will not be delayed pending replacement of the item. The transferring organization will make entries on the equipment list form and the shortages form, furnishing information and justification that the accepting activity can use to obtain replacement.
When shortages are discovered upon receipt of an aircraft and are not properly recorded in the AIR, the receiving organization itemizes the shortages and submits a list of such shortages to the organization from which the aircraft was received within 10 working days after receipt of the aircraft. In all cases, the authority to transfer aircraft with shortages must be obtained from the ACC/TYCOM prior to transfer.
A certification and record of transfer is completed at the time of transfer or receipt of the aircraft, as applicable.
Aircraft weight and balance records are maintained under the direction of the activity's weight and balance officer. As a logbook clerk, you will be required to know how to record and report changes in the weight and balance records of aircraft.
From the time an aircraft is built until it is salvaged, weight and balance are major factors in its service as an efficient aircraft. This is true whether the aircraft is the largest bomber or the smallest trainer.
There are many effects of improper loading. Overloading raises the stalling speed of an aircraft. It also results in lowering the aircraft's structural safety factors during rough air flying or takeoff runs and lowering the angle and rate of climb. Moreover, overloading lowers the ceiling at which the aircraft must fly, increases fuel consumption, and lowers the general safety factor of the tires during landing and takeoff. It can be the cause of failure to complete a flight or, for that matter, failure even to start the flight. Loss of life and destruction of valuable equipment due to abnormal stresses placed upon the aircraft's structure, or because of changed flying characteristics, can also result from overloading,
If the center of gravity (CG) is too far forward, similar disadvantages develop. Fuel consumption is increased, greater power is required for the same speed, and there is an increased tendency to oscillate as well as to increase dive beyond control. A two-far-forward center of gravity location may cause a critical condition during flap operation. It definitely increases the difficulty in getting the nose up during landing, and a nosewheel landing usually causes structural damage.
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