E is for Empty Weight
It was officially Blade's least favorite time of year. While he knew the importance of getting an accurate number, every time Maru informed him that he needed to get that year's Empty Weight, Blade couldn't help but cringe. Earlier in his career, Blade had even tried to convince Maru to let him weigh in every three years like he had done when he had been an actor…or maybe just fudge the numbers because he was old enough that his weights didn't change that much from year to year. Maru had given him a lecture when he had given the first suggestion and a proper cold shoulder when he had suggested the second…which if Blade was honest to himself, he completely deserved. But that didn't make the process of completely clearing the tanks any easier.
"At least you have an easier time than Cabbie." Maru had remarked has had Blade chug another bottle of the nasty tasting liquid used to help him purge fuel from his system. Which while technically true, didn't the liquid go down any smoother.
"At least he gets to be sedated for his procedure." Blade glared back at the sadistic mechanic who was prepping another bucket.
Maru simply pursed his lips in amusement. "Well, if you really wanted to have your true empty weight measured, I am sure we could schedule to have the procedure done at the local hospital."
"You know what I mean." Blade gave Maru his iciest glare, which unfortunately the mechanic had long grown immune to. His tanks churned uncomfortable and before he got the chance to say anything else Blade was puking mouthfuls of oil and fuel into the provided bucket. As the helicopter heaved Maru quietly patted the Blade's side…which only made the aircraft even more frustrated with his situation.
Eventually, the vomiting shifted to dry heaves and the dry heaves transitioned the heavy, panting breaths. Exhausted, Blade shifted to the side, pressing his weight against Maru. Maru for his part didn't complain. He simply reached up a tine and patted Blade on the nose.
"Why don't you get a nap?" Maru asked as he rubbed soothing circles across Blade's skin. "It will help pass the time and you will feel better for it."
"Fine." Blade mummed, his eyes already starting to get droopy. It was clear that the helicopter's body was telling him to rest, but his brain still had questions. "How many more times do I have to do this?"
Maru looked at his friend with a sad smile. "You have two more doses before we can do a weigh-out. But if we are lucky, we should have your Basic Empty Weight calculated by 11 am so that you can have a proper lunch."
"Good." Blade murmured as his eyes started to slip shut. "Cabbie better be getting us takeout for that."
"I am sure he will." Maru said as he continued his gentle pats, doing his best to soothe his friend to sleep. "Is there anything, in particular, you want the old bird to pick us up?"
Blade's only reply was the hum of a long, rumbling snore.
Term – Empty Weight – This term has slightly different meanings depending on which certifying body/definition is being used. For aircraft, it usually boils down to five definitions. The first is the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) standard which defines Standard Empty Weight as the weight of an empty aircraft plus any unusual fuel in the fuel tank/lines and the required amount of engine oil and hydraulic fluid. The GAMA also defines a Basic Empty Weight as the Standard Empty Weight plus any optional equipment that the aircraft may have.
There is also three Non-GAMA Weight Definitions. In these, Empty Weight is defined as the weight of an empty aircraft, any undrainable fuel oil, and the full amount of hydraulic fluid. Standard Empty weight = Empty Weight + Unusable Fuel. And the Licensed Empty Weight = Standard Empty Weight + a Full Amount of Engine Oil + Any Optional Equipment.
So…why does this matter? You need to know the empty weight to do all of your weight balance calculations which is especially critical for aircraft flying on the edge like the Piston Peak Air Attack members. All of the aircraft on base will be using the GAMA calculations, with the exception of Cabbie who will use the Non-GAMA calculations for his weigh balances.