ARROW Aviation Acronym: Which 4 Documents Are Required?
Since there has been some interest in the previous posts about ATOMATOFLAMES, FLAPS, and the GRABCARD, I have included this post about ARROW aviation acronym.
If you’re an aviation enthusiast or a pilot, you’ve likely come across the ARROW acronym. It’s an aviation mnemonic that helps pilots remember the essential documents required for flight. Let’s have a look at each component of the ARROW acronym, exploring what each document is, what it contains, and who is responsible for its upkeep and placement.
- A – Airworthiness Certificate
- R – Radio Telephone License
- R – Registration Certificate
- O – Operator’s Handbook
- W – Weight and balance data
ARROW Aviation Acronym: The Document Details
A: Airworthiness Certificate
What is it?
The Airworthiness Certificate is a document that proves your aircraft is in a condition for safe operation. It’s issued by aviation authorities like the FAA in the USA or the CAA in the UK.
What Does it Contain?
The certificate contains details such as the aircraft’s make, model, and registration number. It also specifies the conditions under which the aircraft is considered airworthy.
Who is Responsible?
- Upkeep: The aircraft owner is responsible for maintaining the aircraft in an airworthy condition.
- Placement: The pilot in command must ensure that the Airworthiness Certificate is on board the aircraft during all operations.
R: Radio Telephone License (for international flights)
What is it?
The Radio Telephone License is required for international flights and is proof that the aircraft’s radio equipment is licensed and approved for use.
What Does it Contain?
The license contains information about the radio equipment, frequencies it can operate on, and the identification of the aircraft.
Who is Responsible?
- Upkeep: The aircraft owner is responsible for renewing the license.
- Placement: The pilot in command must ensure the license is on board during international flights.
R: Registration Certificate
What is it?
The Registration Certificate is proof of ownership and shows that the aircraft is registered with the relevant aviation authority.
What Does it Contain?
The certificate includes the aircraft’s registration number, owner details, and other identifying information.
Who is Responsible?
- Upkeep: The aircraft owner must keep this document up to date.
- Placement: The pilot in command must ensure the Registration Certificate is on board during all flights.
SKILCRAFT B3 Aviator Multi-function Pen
- Brand: Skilcraft
- Item Weight: 3.84 ounces
- Package Dimensions: 8.35 x 4.25 x 1.14 inches
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: No
- Color: Black
- Pencil Lead Degree (Hardness): HB
- Size: 3 Pack
- Point Type: Medium
- Ink Color: Black,Red
O: Operator’s Handbook (AFM/POH)
What is it?
The Operator’s Handbook, also known as the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) or Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH), is the go-to guide for all operational aspects of the aircraft.
What Does it Contain?
The handbook contains information on operating limitations, emergency procedures, and other essential data.
Who is Responsible?
- Upkeep: The aircraft manufacturer usually provides updates.
- Placement: The pilot in command must ensure the handbook is accessible during flight.
W: Weight and Balance Data
What is it?
Weight and Balance Data are crucial for the safe operation of the aircraft, affecting its stability and control.
What Does it Contain?
This data includes the aircraft’s weight, balance, and centre of gravity information.
Who is Responsible?
- Upkeep: The aircraft owner must keep this data current.
- Placement: The pilot in command must ensure this data is available for reference during flight.
What is Weight and Balance Data?
As we touched upon earlier, Weight and Balance Data are critical elements that ensure the safe operation of an aircraft. But what does it really mean? In simple terms, this data helps to make sure that the aircraft is not too heavy to fly and that the weight is distributed in a way that keeps the aircraft stable during flight.
The Importance of Weight and Balance
Imagine you’re trying to balance a seesaw. If one side is too heavy, the seesaw tips over, right? Similarly, an aircraft needs to be balanced to ensure it can take off, fly, and land safely. Incorrect weight and balance can lead to control issues, increased fuel consumption, and even catastrophic failure.
How is Weight Calculated?
The total weight of an aircraft includes various components:
- Empty Weight: The weight of the aircraft itself, without any passengers, cargo, or usable fuel.
- Useable Fuel: The weight of the fuel that can be used during the flight.
- Payload: The weight of passengers, crew, and cargo.
The sum of these gives you the Gross Weight of the aircraft:
Gross Weight=Empty Weight+Useable Fuel+PayloadGross Weight=Empty Weight+Useable Fuel+Payload
How is Balance Calculated?
Balance is generally described in terms of the aircraft’s centre of gravity (CG), which is the point where the aircraft would balance if it were suspended in air. The CG is calculated based on the weight of various components and their distance from a reference point, usually the nose of the aircraft.
The formula for calculating the CG is:
CG = Total Moment / Total Weight
Here, the “moment” is the weight of an item multiplied by its distance from the reference point.
History of Aircraft Documents
The standardisation of aircraft documents has a rich history. In the USA, the Air Commerce Act of 1926 was a landmark in establishing federal regulations, including the requirement for aircraft documents. The UK followed suit with the formation of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in 1972, which took over the responsibilities from the Air Registration Board.
Both the FAA and CAA have played pivotal roles in standardising and regulating the required documents for aircraft, ensuring that aviation remains one of the safest modes of transport.
There you have it—a comprehensive guide to the ARROW acronym in aviation. Whether you’re a pilot or an aviation aficionado, understanding these essential documents is crucial for both safety and compliance.
