Unscoped DCT Report (Standard DCT)
MLF Label: 3.3.3 (OP) Flight / Load Manifest / Weight and Balance Procedures DCT Type: EP DCT Specialty: Operations Peer Group: B - Part 135 (10 or More Seats) DCT Revision: 19.0 on 12/28/21 (Released)
Summary Information

Purpose (Certificate Holder Responsibility): To operate aircraft within the weight and balance imitations of the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM).
Objective (FAA Responsibility): Determine; (1) If the CH followed the accepted or approved process; (2) If the CH operated aircraft within the weight and balance imitations of the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM).

 (OP) Flight / Load Manifest / Weight and Balance Procedures Element includes the following System(s) and Subsystem(s)

Questions Answers Comments
  3.3.3 (OP) Flight / Load Manifest / Weight and Balance Procedures
1   
Best describe how the certificate holder determined that single engine aircraft are properly loaded so that it did not exceed authorized weight and balance limitations during all operations?


REFERENCES: 8900.1 Vol 3 Ch 48 Sec 1

NOTE: This question is included in SAS upon a risk-based request from AFS-250 (Ref. NTSB Safety Recommendation A-15-029).

Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Process Observation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "135") AND (PROPULSION = "SINGLE ENGINE") ,  Rev.  2  6/22/2021 2:30:55 PM, 

QID: 00050825, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Consistently followed the procedures
◯  Some steps were missed or not followed
◯  Procedures were not consistently followed or adequate
◯  Not Observable
◯  Not Applicable
2   
Did the PIC complete a load manifest according to the requirements of 135.63(c) and carry a copy of it in the aircraft to its destination?


REFERENCES: 135.63(c), 135.63(d)

Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "135" ) AND ( PROPULSION = "MULTIENGINE" ) ,  Rev.  2  6/26/2019 5:01:58 PM, 

QID: 00013029, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Observable
◯  Not Applicable
3   
Was the weight and balance computed accurately and determined to be within limits of the approved Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual?


REFERENCES: 91.9(a)

Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "135" ) ,  Rev.  2  3/29/2014 7:15:58 AM, 

QID: 00013757, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Observable
◯  Not Applicable
4   
Verify that the load manifests included the following:

      #1 Number of passengers;
      #2 Total weight of the loaded aircraft;
      #3 The maximum allowable takeoff weight for that flight;
      #4 Center of gravity limits;
      #5 Center of gravity of the loaded aircraft;
      #6 Registration number of the aircraft or flight number;
      #7 Origin and destination; and
      #8 Crewmembers and their position assignments.

REFERENCES: 135.63(c)

Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "135" ) AND ( PROPULSION = "MULTIENGINE" ) ,  Rev.  2  7/17/2014 4:40:14 PM, 

QID: 00013758, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  The records were accurate
◯  The records contained discrepancies
◯  Not Observable
◯  Not Applicable
5   
Did the PIC carry a copy of the load manifest on the aircraft to its destination?


REFERENCES: 135.63(d)

Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "135") AND (PROPULSION = "MULTIENGINE") AND NOT (A/C CATEGORY = "UAS ONLY") ,  Rev.  3  9/28/2020 10:59:41 AM, 

QID: 00013767, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Observable
◯  Not Applicable
6   
Verify that the Operator retained the load manifest for at least 30 days.


REFERENCES: 135.63(d)

Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "135" ) AND ( PROPULSION = "MULTIENGINE" ) ,  Rev.  1  5/14/2014 10:51:14 AM, 

QID: 00013768, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  The records were accurate
◯  The records contained discrepancies
◯  Not Observable
◯  Not Applicable
7   
Did the certificate holder comply with the use of actual weights in determining passenger, baggage and/or cargo weights according to OpSpec A096?


REFERENCES: AC-120-27, A096

Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "135") AND (OPSPEC = "A096") ,  Rev.  4  6/22/2021 2:30:54 PM, 

QID: 00013771, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Observable
◯  Not Applicable
8   
Did the certificate holder follow procedures for proper aircraft loading?


REFERENCES: 8900.1 Vol 3 Ch 47 Sec 2

Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "135") AND (PROPULSION = "TURBINE") ,  Rev.  3  12/28/2021 9:33:41 AM, 

QID: 00051184, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Observable
◯  Not Applicable
9   
Did the certificate holder follow policies, procedures, instructions and information for this element?


Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "135" OR "145" OR "141" OR "142" OR "147") AND (SAFETY PROGRAMS = "SMSVP") ,  Rev.  2  3/15/2019 9:08:43 AM, 

QID: 00051933, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Observable
◯  Not Applicable
10   
Did the certificate holder follow policies, procedures, instructions and information for this element?


Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "135" OR "145" OR "141" OR "142" OR "147") AND NOT (SAFETY PROGRAMS = "SMSVP") ,  Rev.  2  3/15/2019 9:08:43 AM, 

QID: 00051947, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Observable
◯  Not Applicable
11   
Verify the certificate holder determined empty weight and center of gravity calculated from the values established by actually weighing the aircraft within the preceding 36 calendar months, or as prescribed in an approve weight and balance system.


REFERENCES: 135.185

NOTE: An approved weight and balance system may be authorized by OpSpec E096.

Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "135") AND (PROPULSION = "MULTIENGINE") ,  Rev.  1  12/14/2018 11:52:21 AM, 

QID: 00054482, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  The records were accurate;
◯  The records contained discrepancies;
◯  Not Observable
◯  Not Applicable
12   
Did the passenger, baggage and cargo weights comply with operations specification A097?


REFERENCES: AC-120-27, A097

Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "135") AND (OPSPEC = "A097") ,  Rev.  1  6/26/2019 5:01:57 PM, 

QID: 00055188, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Observable
◯  Not Applicable
13   
Did the passenger, baggage and cargo weights comply with operations specification A098?


REFERENCES: AC-120-27, A098

Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "135") AND (OPSPEC = "A098") ,  Rev.  1  6/26/2019 5:01:57 PM, 

QID: 00055189, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Observable
◯  Not Applicable
14   
Did the passenger, baggage and cargo weights comply with operations specification A099?


REFERENCES: AC-120-27, A099

Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "135") AND (OPSPEC = "A099") ,  Rev.  1  6/26/2019 5:01:57 PM, 

QID: 00055190, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Observable
◯  Not Applicable
15   
Did the controls effectively mitigate unacceptable risk(s) for this element?


REFERENCES: AC-120-92, 8900.1 Vol 17 Ch 3 Sec 3

Safety Attribute: Controls,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "135" OR "145" OR "141" OR "142" OR "147") AND (SAFETY PROGRAMS = "SMSVP") ,  Rev.  2  3/15/2019 9:08:43 AM, 

QID: 00051934, Response Details: Controls ED/EP/SP DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Observable
16   
Did the controls effectively mitigate unacceptable risk(s) for this element?


Safety Attribute: Controls,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "135" OR "145" OR "141" OR "142" OR "147") AND NOT (SAFETY PROGRAMS = "SMSVP") ,  Rev.  2  3/15/2019 9:08:43 AM, 

QID: 00051948, Response Details: Controls ED/EP/SP DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Observable
17   
Were the certificate holder's interfaces effective for this element?


Safety Attribute: Interfaces,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "135" OR "145" OR "141" OR "142" OR "147") AND (SAFETY PROGRAMS = "SMSVP") ,  Rev.  2  3/15/2019 9:08:43 AM, 

QID: 00051935, Response Details: Interfaces ED/EP/SP DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Observable
18   
Were the certificate holder's interfaces effective for this element?


Safety Attribute: Interfaces,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "135" OR "145" OR "141" OR "142" OR "147") AND NOT (SAFETY PROGRAMS = "SMSVP") ,  Rev.  2  3/15/2019 9:08:43 AM, 

QID: 00051949, Response Details: Interfaces ED/EP/SP DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Observable
19   
Were financial and human resources provided to ensure the safety and quality performance of this element?


REFERENCES: AC-120-92, 8900.1 Vol 17 Ch 3 Sec 3

Safety Attribute: Responsibility,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "135" OR "145" OR "141" OR "142" OR "147") AND (SAFETY PROGRAMS = "SMSVP") ,  Rev.  2  3/15/2019 9:08:44 AM, 

QID: 00051936, Response Details: Responsibility ED/EP/SP DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Observable
20   
Were financial and human resources provided to ensure the safety and quality performance of this element?


Safety Attribute: Responsibility,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "135" OR "145" OR "141" OR "142" OR "147") AND NOT (SAFETY PROGRAMS = "SMSVP") ,  Rev.  2  3/15/2019 9:08:43 AM, 

QID: 00051950, Response Details: Responsibility ED/EP/SP DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Observable
21   
Did the person with authority over the certificate holder's process effectively plan, direct and control resources, or change procedures and make key determinations including safety risk acceptance decisions for this element?


REFERENCES: AC-120-92, 8900.1 Vol 17 Ch 3 Sec 3

Safety Attribute: Authority,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "135" OR "145" OR "141" OR "142" OR "147") AND (SAFETY PROGRAMS = "SMSVP") ,  Rev.  2  3/15/2019 9:08:43 AM, 

QID: 00051937, Response Details: Authority ED/EP/SP DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Observable
22   
Did the person with authority over the certificate holder's process effectively plan, direct and control resources, or change procedures and make key determinations including safety risk acceptance decisions for this element?


Safety Attribute: Authority,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "135" OR "145" OR "141" OR "142" OR "147") AND NOT (SAFETY PROGRAMS = "SMSVP") ,  Rev.  2  3/15/2019 9:08:44 AM, 

QID: 00051951, Response Details: Authority ED/EP/SP DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Observable
23   
Were the certificate holder's process measurement(s) used to evaluate the performance of this element and if necessary, implement corrective action?


REFERENCES: AC-120-92, 8900.1 Vol 17 Ch 3 Sec 3

Safety Attribute: Process Measurement,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "135" OR "145" OR "141" OR "142" OR "147") AND (SAFETY PROGRAMS = "SMSVP") ,  Rev.  2  3/15/2019 9:08:44 AM, 

QID: 00051938, Response Details: Process Measurement ED/EP/SP DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Observable
24   
Were the certificate holder's process measurement(s) used to evaluate the performance of this element and if necessary, implement corrective action?


Safety Attribute: Process Measurement,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "135" OR "145" OR "141" OR "142" OR "147") AND NOT (SAFETY PROGRAMS = "SMSVP") ,  Rev.  2  3/15/2019 9:08:44 AM, 

QID: 00051952, Response Details: Process Measurement ED/EP/SP DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Observable
25   
Did individuals understand their role and contribute to the safety performance of this element?


REFERENCES: AC-120-92, 8900.1 Vol 17 Ch 3 Sec 3

Safety Attribute: Safety Ownership,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "135" OR "145" OR "141" OR "142" OR "147") AND (SAFETY PROGRAMS = "SMSVP") ,  Rev.  2  3/15/2019 9:08:43 AM, 

QID: 00051939, Response Details: Safety Ownership ED/EP/SP DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Observable
26   
Did individuals understand their role and contribute to the safety performance of this element?


Safety Attribute: Safety Ownership,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "135" OR "145" OR "141" OR "142" OR "147") AND NOT (SAFETY PROGRAMS = "SMSVP") ,  Rev.  2  3/15/2019 9:08:44 AM, 

QID: 00051953, Response Details: Safety Ownership ED/EP/SP DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Observable


Response Details List  Authority ED/EP/SP DCTs (Both OP and AW) (Released, 1.0)
1 Process oversight failure
2 Unacceptable safety risk acceptance
3 Ineffective planning of resources
4 Ineffective use of resources
5 Ineffective control of resources
6 Failure to implement safety risk processes
7 Process owner not clearly identified
8 Unqualified
9 Other
Response Details List  Controls ED/EP/SP DCTs (Both OP and AW) (Released, 1.0)
1 Failure to identify hazards or ineffective risk controls
2 Failure to develop and maintain risk controls
3 Failure to effectively mitigate risk before applying risk controls
4 Risk controls ineffective
5 Unclear risk controls
6 Failure to assess risk for a new system
7 Failure to assess risk when revising an existing system
8 Failure to assess risk when developing operational procedures
9 Failure to maintain records of outputs of risk control assessments
10 Other
Response Details List  EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW) (Released, 1.0)
1 Unclear procedure(s)
2 Conflicting procedure(s)
3 Used workaround(s)
4 Skipped process step(s)
5 Personnel failed to follow process (procedures, guidance, etc)
6 Procedures/guidance not available
7 Procedures/guidance not current
8 Inconsistent procedure(s)
9 Undocumented procedure(s)
10 Minor typographical error(s) (i.e. record entries)
11 Information missing
12 Communication failure(s)
13 Personnel failed to perform task
14 Process failed to meet desired outcome
15 Process oversight failure
16 Equipment/tools not available
17 Equipment/tools not adequate
18 Equipment/tools not calibrated
19 Facilities not adequate
20 Other
Response Details List  Interfaces ED/EP/SP DCTs (Both OP and AW) (Released, 1.0)
1 Internal communication failure(s)
2 External communication failure(s)
3 Lack of interfaces
4 Inconsistent interfaces
5 Poor coordination between departments and employees
6 Failure of interfaces between processes or procedures
7 Other
Response Details List  Process Measurement ED/EP/SP DCTs (Both OP and AW) (Released, 1.0)
1 Inadequate monitoring of operations processes
2 Ineffective evaluations of processes or systems
3 Undocumented or insufficient investigations
4 Failure to conduct audits
5 Ineffective audits
6 Failure to detect changes in the operational environment
7 Personnel failed to perform/follow process (procedures, guidance, etc.)
8 Process failed to meet desired outcome
9 Process oversight failure
10 Other
Response Details List  Responsibility ED/EP/SP DCTs (Both OP and AW) (Released, 1.0)
1 Failed to provide financial resources
2 Failed to provide sufficient human resources
3 Individual not clearly identified
4 Failure to ensure safety of process
5 Failure to oversee operations conducted under the certificate
6 Failed to ensure quality performance of process
7 Process oversight failure
8 Communication failure(s)
9 Other
Response Details List  N/A Response Detail (Released, 2.0)
1 Not applicable or authorized for the certificate holder or applicant
2 Other
Response Details List  N/O Response Detail (Released, 2.0)
1 Personnel (e.g., key certificate holder personnel not present/available)
2 Equipment (e.g., equipment not present/available/in serviceable condition)
3 Event did not occur (e.g., did not observe an intoxicated passenger on the flight)
4 Time Constraints (e.g., resources/workload)
5 Weather (e.g., weather needed for observation not present or weather made observation impossible)
6 Other
Response Details List  Safety Ownership ED/EP/SP DCTs (Both OP and AW) (Released, 3.0)
1 Unaware of or ineffective safety policies or processes
2 Unaware of or ineffective safety related reporting tools
3 Unclear safety policy
4 Ineffective safety related training
5 Lack of safety culture
6 Unclear safety objectives
7 Other