Commission Regulation (EC) No 8/2008Show full title

“Appendix 1 to OPS 1.620 (g) Procedure for establishing revised standard mass values for passengers and baggage

(a)

Passengers

(1)

Weight sampling method. The average mass of passengers and their hand baggage must be determined by weighing, taking random samples. The selection of random samples must by nature and extent be representative of the passenger volume, considering the type of operation, the frequency of flights on various routes, in/outbound flights, applicable season and seat capacity of the aeroplane.

(2)

Sample size. The survey plan must cover the weighing of at least the greatest of:

(i)

A number of passengers calculated from a pilot sample, using normal statistical procedures and based on a relative confidence range (accuracy) of 1 % for all adult and 2 % for separate male and female average masses; and

(ii)

For aeroplanes:

(A)

With a passenger seating capacity of 40 or more, a total of 2 000 passengers; or

(B)

With a passenger seating capacity of less than 40, a total number of 50 x (the passenger seating capacity).

(3)

Passenger masses. Passenger masses must include the mass of the passengers' belongings which are carried when entering the aeroplane. When taking random samples of passenger masses, infants shall be weighted together with the accompanying adult (See also OPS 1.620 (c) (d) and (e)).

(4)

Weighing location. The location for the weighing of passengers shall be selected as close as possible to the aeroplane, at a point where a change in the passenger mass by disposing of or by acquiring more personal belongings is unlikely to occur before the passengers board the aeroplane.

(5)

Weighing machine. The weighing machine to be used for passenger weighing shall have a capacity of at least 150 kg. The mass shall be displayed at minimum graduations of 500 g. The weighing machine must be accurate to within 0,5 % or 200 g whichever is the greater.

(6)

Recording of mass values. For each flight included in the survey the mass of the passengers, the corresponding passenger category (i.e. male/female/children) and the flight number must be recorded.

(b)

Checked baggage. The statistical procedure for determining revised standard baggage mass values based on average baggage masses of the minimum required sample size is basically the same as for passengers and as specified in subparagraph (a)(1). For baggage, the relative confidence range (accuracy) amounts to 1 %. A minimum of 2 000 pieces of checked baggage must be weighed.

(c)

Determination of revised standard mass values for passengers and checked baggage

(1)

To ensure that, in preference to the use of actual masses determined by weighing, the use of revised standard mass values for passengers and checked baggage does not adversely affect operational safety, a statistical analysis must be carried out. Such an analysis will generate average mass values for passengers and baggage as well as other data.

(2)

On aeroplanes with 20 or more passenger seats, these averages apply as revised standard male and female mass values.

(3)

On smaller aeroplanes, the following increments must be added to the average passenger mass to obtain the revised standard mass values:

Number of passenger seats	Required mass increment
1-5 incl.	16 kg
6-9 incl.	8 kg
10-19 incl.	4 kg

Alternatively, all adult revised standard (average) mass values may be applied on aeroplanes with 30 or more passenger seats. Revised standard (average) checked baggage mass values are applicable to aeroplanes with 20 or more passenger seats.

(4)

Operators have the option to submit a detailed survey plan to the Authority for approval and subsequently a deviation from the revised standard mass value provided this deviating value is determined by use of the procedure explained in this Appendix. Such deviations must be reviewed at intervals not exceeding 5 years.

(5)

All adult revised standard mass values must be based on a male/female ratio of 80/20 in respect of all flights except holiday charters which are 50/50. If an operator wishes to obtain approval for use of a different ratio on specific routes or flights then data must be submitted to the Authority showing that the alternative male/female ratio is conservative and covers at least 84 % of the actual male/female ratios on a sample of at least 100 representative flights.

(6)

The average mass values found are rounded to the nearest whole number in kg. Checked baggage mass values are rounded to the nearest 0,5 kg figure, as appropriate.