If information about an aircraft is needed while setting up a weight and balance profile and is not available in the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM), consider reviewing information in the aircraft's Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS) available from the FAA. TCDS provides information such as the aircraft's:
- CG envelope range
- Maximum structural weight
- Maximum baggage weight
- Fuel capacity
- Baggage and fuel station data
- Oil capacity
To view an aircraft's TCDS:
STEP 1: Open a web browser and navigate to the FAA's Dynamic Regulatory System.
STEP 2: In the left sidebar search window, enter "TCDS."
STEP 3: Click the Type Certificate Data Sheets (TCDS) search result. After clicking the link in the left sidebar, a TCDS search menu is loaded.
FAA Dynamic Regulatory System Webpage
STEP 4: Use the TCDS Filters and Keyword Search fields to locate an aircraft. Recommended search techniques include:
- Use the TC Holder (Type Certificate Holder) field to search for a manufacturer.
- Use the Model field and search for an aircraft type. The Model field is filtered to show results from the selected TC Holder(s).
- Use the Keyword Search to search for an aircraft by type code (e.g., PA-44-180T).
Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS) Search Menu
STEP 5: Click Apply to view results based on the filtering criteria. Search results are displayed below the TCDS Search Menu.
STEP 6: Locate and click the link for the appropriate aircraft. Once a link is clicked, the TCDS is displayed in an online viewer.
STEP 7: Use the online viewer to locate aircraft data.
Type Certificate Data Sheet Online Viewer
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