NCC.POL.110 Mass and balance data and documentation

CONTENTS The mass and balance documentation should include advice to the pilot-in-command whenever a non-standard method has been used for determining the mass of the load.

INTEGRITY The operator should verify the integrity of mass and balance data and documentation generated by a computerised mass and balance system, at intervals not exceeding 6 months. The operator should establish a system to check that amendments of its input data are incorporated properly in the system and that the system is operating correctly on a continuous basis.

SIGNATURE OR EQUIVALENT Where a signature by hand is impracticable or it is desirable to arrange the equivalent verification by electronic means, the following conditions should be applied in order to make an electronic signature the equivalent of a conventional hand-written signature:

(a)electronic ‘signing’ by entering a personal identification number (PIN) code with appropriate security, etc.;

(b)entering the PIN code generates a print-out of the individual’s name and professional capacity on the relevant document(s) in such a way that it is evident, to anyone having a need for that information, who has signed the document;

(c)the computer system logs information to indicate when and where each PIN code has been entered;

(d)the use of the PIN code is, from a legal and responsibility point of view, considered to be fully equivalent to signature by hand;

(e)the requirements for record keeping remain unchanged; and

(f)all personnel concerned are made aware of the conditions associated with electronic signature and this is documented.

MASS AND BALANCE DOCUMENTATION SENT VIA DATA LINK Whenever the mass and balance documentation is sent to the aircraft via data link, a copy of the final mass and balance documentation as accepted by the pilot-in-command should be available on the ground.

ON-BOARD INTEGRATED MASS AND BALANCE COMPUTER SYSTEM An on-board integrated mass and balance computer system may be an aircraft installed system capable of receiving input data either from other aircraft systems or from a mass and balance system on the ground, in order to generate mass and balance data as an output.

STAND-ALONE COMPUTERISED MASS AND BALANCE SYSTEM A stand-alone computerised mass and balance system may be a computer, either as part of an electronic flight bag (EFB) system or solely dedicated to mass and balance purposes, requiring input from the user, in order to generate mass and balance data as an output.