AW837 DHC3 20251027 AER005 042

RTE - IFR PABE FOGIM A85
WX - A85 271946Z 08301KT 4SM SCT14 OVC111 -7/-7 A2985
RMKS - EMERGENCY SUPPORT 0 PASSENGERS / 3000 LBS CARGO. DST 75 NM, LDG RATE -254 FPM. BLK FUEL 114 LBS.

Delivered emergency food, medicine, clothing, bedding, and supplies to the residents of Kwigillingok Village.

AW837 DHC3 20251026 AER005 301

RTE - IFR PANC ANC AMOTT BLUGA NEARR SQA ACRAN VIDDA PABE

WX - PABE 262006Z 08201KT 1SM -SN OVC15 -3/-3 A2968

RMKS - PASSENGER SERVICE 8 PASSENGERS / 1900 LBS CARGO. DST 345 NM, LDG RATE - 111 FPM. BLK FUEL 498 LBS. DEP WITH PASSENGERS AND SUPPLIES DESTINED FOR OUTLYING VILLAGES IN THE FLOOD ZONE. NOW ONSTA, WILL COMMENCE SHUTTLING PEOPLE AND SUPPLIES TO OUTLYING VILLAGES.

AW837 DHC3 20251025 PFF000 411

RTE - IFR PAJN SSR CSP YAK 60N42 FORAT JOH JOH54 PANC
WX - PANC 252113Z 34601KT 4SM BKN16 OVC84 2/-3 A2944
RMKS - PASSENGER SERVICE 4 PASSENGERS / 300 LBS CARGO. DST 515 NM, LDG RATE - 72 FPM. BLK FUEL 780 LBS. NSTR, POSITIONING DHC-3 TO SUPPORT AER MISSIONS.

WEIGHT & BALANCE - COMPREHENSIVE REFERENCE
Understanding Weight & Balance in Bush Flying

Weight and balance isn't just paperwork—it's survival. An overloaded aircraft won't climb out of a canyon. A badly balanced one won't handle right when you need it most. In bush flying, where you're often taking off from short, soft strips at high density altitudes, proper weight management is the difference between a safe flight and becoming a statistic.

Basic Principles
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): Never exceed this. Ever. Your aircraft was tested and certified at this limit. Beyond it, performance degrades rapidly and unpredictably.
Center of Gravity (CG): Must stay within limits. Too far forward = heavy controls, longer takeoff. Too far aft = unstable, potential loss of control.
Density Altitude Effect: Hot days and high elevations dramatically reduce performance. A fully loaded aircraft that climbs fine at sea level on a cold day might barely clear the trees at a mountain strip on a hot afternoon.

• Adult male (average): 190 lbs (86 kg)
  
• Adult female (average): 160 lbs (73 kg)
  
• Heavy adult (large build): 220-250 lbs (100-113 kg)
  
• Light adult (small build): 130-150 lbs (59-68 kg)
  

• Teenager (13-17 years): 120-140 lbs (54-64 kg)
  
• Child (6-12 years): 80 lbs (36 kg)
  
• Young child (3-5 years): 40 lbs (18 kg)
  
• Infant/toddler (0-2 years): 20-30 lbs (9-14 kg)
  

• Standard baggage per passenger: 20-30 lbs (9-14 kg)
  
• Backpacker/camper gear per person: 40-60 lbs (18-27 kg)
  
• Winter clothing/survival gear add: +10-15 lbs (5-7 kg)
  
  

• 5-gallon fuel drum (empty): 5 lbs (2 kg)
  
• 5-gallon fuel drum (full): 35 lbs (16 kg) - 30 lbs fuel + container
  
• 55-gallon fuel drum (empty): 25 lbs (11 kg)
  
• 55-gallon fuel drum (full): 400 lbs (181 kg) - 375 lbs fuel + drum
  
• Jerry can 5-gal (military style): 40 lbs full (18 kg)
  

• Moose quarter (deboned): 100-150 lbs (45-68 kg)
  
• Moose quarter (bone-in): 150-200 lbs (68-91 kg)
  
• Caribou (whole, field dressed): 200-300 lbs (91-136 kg)
  
• Bear hide (rolled): 40-80 lbs (18-36 kg)
  
• Fishing gear (rods, tackle, waders): 25-40 lbs (11-18 kg)
  
• Fish cooler (50-qt, full): 60-80 lbs (27-36 kg)
  
• Fish cooler (100-qt, full): 100-120 lbs (45-54 kg)
  

• Tent (4-person, complete): 15-25 lbs (7-11 kg)
  
• Sleeping bag (cold weather): 5-8 lbs (2-4 kg)
  
• Camping stove + fuel: 10-15 lbs (5-7 kg)
  
• Inflatable raft/kayak: 30-50 lbs (14-23 kg)
  
• Chainsaw (18-20" bar) + fuel: 25-30 lbs (11-14 kg)
  
• Chainsaw fuel/bar oil (1 gal each): 15 lbs (7 kg)
  
• Generator (portable 2000W): 50-60 lbs (23-27 kg)
  

• 2x4 lumber (8 ft length): 13 lbs/board (6 kg)
  
• 2x6 lumber (8 ft length): 20 lbs/board (9 kg)
  
• Plywood sheet (4x8, 3/4"): 60 lbs (27 kg)
  
• Plywood sheet (4x8, 1/2"): 50 lbs (23 kg)
  
• Bag of concrete (80 lb): 80 lbs (36 kg)
  
• Box of roofing shingles: 60-80 lbs (27-36 kg)
  
• Toolbox (loaded contractor): 40-60 lbs (18-27 kg)
  

• Grocery box (standard family): 30-40 lbs (14-18 kg)
  
• Case of canned goods (24 cans): 35 lbs (16 kg)
  
• 50 lb bag of flour/rice: 50 lbs (23 kg)
  
• Propane cylinder (20 lb, full): 37 lbs (17 kg) - 17 lbs propane + tank
  
• Propane cylinder (100 lb, full): 170 lbs (77 kg)
  
• Cooler with frozen food: 40-80 lbs (18-36 kg)
  

• Sled dog (working husky): 45-60 lbs (20-27 kg)
  
• Dog sled (racing): 30-40 lbs (14-18 kg)
  
• Dog food (50 lb bag): 50 lbs (23 kg)
  
• Dog crate (airline approved): 15-25 lbs (7-11 kg)
  

• Weather station (complete): 30-50 lbs (14-23 kg)
  
• Radio repeater equipment: 40-80 lbs (18-36 kg)
  
• Survey equipment (theodolite/GPS): 25-40 lbs (11-18 kg)
  
• Solar panel array (portable): 30-60 lbs (14-27 kg)
  

• AvGas (100LL): 6.0 lbs/US gallon (0.72 kg/liter)
  
• Jet-A (turbine aircraft): 6.7 lbs/US gallon (0.80 kg/liter)
  

• Full tanks = 84 gal × 6 lbs = 504 lbs of fuel
  
• Half tanks = 42 gal × 6 lbs = 252 lbs of fuel
  
  

1. Start with Empty Weight (from aircraft POH/logbook)
   • Example: Cessna 185 = 1,700 lbs empty
     
2. Add Pilot Weight
   • Example: 190 lbs pilot
     
3. Add All Passengers
   • Example: 2 adults (190 + 160) + 1 child (80) = 430 lbs
     
4. Add Baggage & Cargo
   • Example: 3 camping packs (60 × 3) + chainsaw (25) + cooler (80) = 285 lbs
     
5. Add Fuel Weight
   • Example: 60 gallons × 6 lbs = 360 lbs
     
6. Calculate Total Weight
   • Example Total: 1,700 + 190 + 430 + 285 + 360 = 2,965 lbs
     
7. Compare to MTOW
   • Example: Cessna 185 MTOW = 3,350 lbs
     
   • Margin: 385 lbs remaining ✓ Safe
     

• 3 passengers @ 190 lbs avg = 570 lbs
  
• 6 grocery boxes @ 35 lbs = 210 lbs
  
• 2 propane tanks @ 37 lbs = 74 lbs
  
• Personal bags @ 25 lbs × 3 = 75 lbs
  
• Total cargo/PAX: 929 lbs
  

• 2 hunters @ 200 lbs = 400 lbs
  
• 2 full camping packs @ 60 lbs = 120 lbs
  
• Hunting rifles/ammo = 25 lbs
  
• Food for 10 days = 80 lbs
  
• Tent/stove/gear = 40 lbs
  
• Total cargo/PAX: 665 lbs
  

• 1 pilot @ 190 lbs
  
• 1 hunter @ 200 lbs
  
• 2 moose quarters @ 150 lbs = 300 lbs
  
• Antlers/cape = 60 lbs
  
• Gear = 50 lbs
  
• Total cargo/PAX: 800 lbs
  
• ⚠️ Note: May require 2 trips depending on aircraft. Moose + full fuel often exceeds MTOW!
  

• If it looks too heavy, it probably is
  
• Weigh questionable items when possible (portable luggage scale)
  
• Remember: fuel is heavy—full tanks mean less cargo capacity
  
• Consider density altitude: hot day + elevation = plan for less weight
  

• Heavy items should go as close to aircraft CG as possible
  
• Secure everything—loose cargo is dangerous cargo
  
• Distribute weight evenly side-to-side
  
• Check CG is within envelope (use aircraft loading chart)
  

• Don't always fill to max—only take fuel you need + reserve
  
• Remember: burning fuel shifts CG aft during flight
  
• For short hops, partial fuel = more cargo capacity
  
• For long hops over remote terrain, fuel takes priority
  

Quote:"When in doubt, make two trips. Nobody ever died from being too light."

• Little Navmap: Aircraft > Aircraft Performance (enter empty weight and moment arms)
  
• ForeFlight: Has built-in W&B calculator for many aircraft
  
• Spreadsheet: Create your own for your specific aircraft
  
• POH Charts: Always the official reference
  
  

AW837 DHC2 20251023 PFF000 057

RTE - IFR PASI LYRIC SSR PAJN
WX - PAJN 232258Z 10301KT 4SM -RA BKN43 OVC75 7/5 A29
RMKS - PASSENGER SERVICE 3 PASSENGERS / 400 LBS CARGO. DST 96 NM, LDG RATE - 141 FPM. BLK FUEL 144 LBS. NSTR.

Shalom and greetings all my pals,

Presenting Alaskan Winds flight number AER001 from Kipnuk (PAKI) to Bethel (PABE) to Anchorage (PANC)  evacuating injured residents from Kipnuk to fly them to receive medical treatment in hospital in Anchorage via Bethel

Fully boarded abroad ambulance King Air 350 at PAKI Kipnuk and ready for flight!!  Because this tiny airport has too short 2,120 ft runway and King Air 350 requires 3,300 ft runway for take off with normal load, I have loaded for sake of very very short runway take off the plane with only 15 percent of fuel load which should be enough for 80 nautical mile hop to PABE where I can get more refuel with appropriate fuel load sufficient for flight from PABE to PANC. The trick worked well as the plane had no problem taking off from 2,120 ft runway with some enough runway distance to spare thanks to 15 percent fuel load to offset the full passenger load with heavy monitoring medical machines.



Cruising at 5,000 ft



Arrived at PABE for quick refueling



Taxiing to runway 01L with background view of army helicopters which are very busy working hard doing the evacuations from small airports in the affected areas to KABE where waiting planes will take survivors to PANC or PAFA



Still taxiing with background view of GA planes being busy with same mission as the army helicopters



DC-3s had arrived in background from PANC and PAFA bringing emergency supplies such as food, water, and clothes



Cruising at FL210




Ground view of mountains signal time for descent on way to PANC runway 07R



Arrived at PANC to meet waiting ambulances while the trains rumbled past on the tracks in back



Thank you for viewing.

AW837 DHC2 20251022 PFF000 111

RTE - IFR PAKW CPD PASI

WX - PASI 222013Z 33301KT 3SM -RA BKN10 OVC20 8/7 A2917

RMKS - PASSENGER SERVICE 2 PASSENGERS / 500 LBS CARGO. DST 119 NM, LDG RATE - 70 FPM. BLK FUEL 186 LBS. LOW VIS APP PASI.

AW837 DHC2 20251022 PFF000 040

RTE – IFR PAKT DWARF ERANE UDENE PAKW

WX -  AK70 221741Z 19013KT 28SM OVC24 OVC206 10/3 A2926

RMKS - PASSENGER SERVICE 2 PASSENGERS / 200 LBS CARGO. DST 56 NM, LDG RATE - 200 FPM. BLK FUEL 90 LBS. STIFF WINDS ENROUTE.

Conducted Charter Flight PAWG-CAB5-PAKT

RTE – VFR PAWG HAXIX FIX01-FIX09 (FOL STIKINE RVR) CAB5
WX - CAB5 211835Z 10306KT 10SM FEW14 BKN34 10/8 Q1006
RMKS - CHARTER SERVICE 2 PASSENGERS / 525 LBS CARGO. DST 60 NM, LDG RATE -211 FPM. BLK FUEL 84 LBS. FLT TM 034, NSTR.

RTE – IFR CAB5 FIX1 56N32 CGI PAKT
WX - PAKT 220236Z 13015G24KT 9999 SCT036 BKN043 OVC050 09/07 Q1009
RMKS - CHARTER SERVICE 1PASSENGERS / 400 LBS CARGO. DST 109 NM, LDG RATE -195 FPM. BLK FUEL 192 LBS. FLT TM 65, NSTR.

RTE TOTAL 3 PAX / 925 LBS CGO. DST 169 NM, AVG LDG RATE -205 FPM. BLK FUEL 276 LBS. FLT TM 139, NSTR

Embarked 2 passengers, pair of Malamutes, engineering gear, and personal baggage at Wrangell. Embarked 1 passenger, outgoing mail, and personal baggage at Bronson Creek.

Conducted continuation of passenger service from Juneau, departing Petersburg to Wrangell.

RTE – PAPG FPN CESEP PAWG
WX - CZST 191719Z 33301KT 4SM -RA BKN28 OVC36 11/8 A2965
RMKS - PASSENGER SERVICE 2 PASSENGERS / 200 LBS CARGO. BLK FUEL 54 LBS. NSTR.

Next flight enroute Ketchikan completing the route Juneau to Ketchikan.