CS 31GB.51 Disposable ballast

ED Decision 2011/012/R

1. Disposable ballast must have means for safe storage and release. (See also CS 31GB.27(e))
2. A minimum amount of ballast must be defined and reserved for the final landing which is sufficient (when jettisoned) to reduce the speed of descent to an acceptable value. The minimum ballast must be provided in the Flight Manual. (See CS 31GB.81(b)(2))

ED Decision 2011/012/R

Ballast material should be easily transferred, disposed of and dissipated. Means need to be provided to prevent freezing and/or blocking the release of the ballast material. The material should not pollute the environment.

Dry sand is a well-proven material and is considered as suitable in the sense of this paragraph and this AMC.

The disposable ballast may be necessary for the pilot to perform the flight path management. The pre- take-off decision on the amount of disposable ballast should be left to the pilot as it is dependent on the flight task, the weather, etc.

A minimum ballast quantity is considered sufficient if, when jettisoned, it stops a descent speed of 4 m/s.

Note: The shape and drag of the envelope can have an effect on minimum descent speed, resulting in a minimum descent speed above 4 m/s.

→ CS 31GB.53