Automation, Weight and Balance Specialist

**Job Purpose**:
The Automation, Weight and Balance Specialist will be required to supply the departure control personnel and Flight Deck Crew with the relevant operational data required to calculate the zero-fuel, take-off and landing weight and corresponding centre-of-gravity position without exceeding the structural weight or CG limitations as specified by the aircraft manufacturer, and to undertake the physical weighing operation of SAA and customer aircraft, and therein calculate and compile the official weighing report.

The incumbent of this role is also responsible for programming, analysis, planning, developing, designing, maintaining, testing and coordinating of the weight and balance systems, system changes and new developments within the applicable system areas. The role also provides training to trainers and staff on new enhancements, system changes, personal computer load sheets and the COGNOS systems. The above also applies to the provision of services to Mango, Airlink and SA Express or any other entity as directed by the company.

The role is also responsible for the coordination with 3rd party suppliers and customers to ensure compliance to IATA, CAA and legislative regulations such as SACAA and IOSA. The role approves AHM-565 aircraft engineering data for SAA and foreign carrier systems for weight/balance and check-in for the handling of flights in the Flight Management System. Further to this, the role assists with the maintenance/testing/development of the COGNOS/AVIVA and PC load sheet (passenger/cargo and Seat Row Index) systems.

The role is also responsible for programming and approval of system aircraft engineering data for use of weight/balance and check-in worldwide, and ensuring that all aircrafts handled on Flight Management system are safe for operation and supports the optimization of cargo/passenger and aircraft loading services.

**Principal Accountabilities**:

- Provide input into the design of the Flight Technical Strategy and implement within area of responsibility
- Recommends policies, processes, action plans and systems to support implementation of the strategy
- Active verification of 3rd party accounts
- Capturing of expenditure for budget purposes including capturing and record keeping of Weight and Balance invoices for audit purposes
- Programming of aircraft engineering data (AHM-565) into the Amadeus system and ensure that the system is regularly updated
- Sign off/approved data for Flight Management system weight and balance
- Develop and program the seat row index trim as a quality control system for the main frame system
- Design load sheets and load plans for all aircraft (including new aircraft) and set up templates to automate/reduce workload in load control sections thus increasing productivity in load control and ensure the accuracy of the system
- Program, develop, test, approve and implement new system enhancements
- Accompany all flights for load sheet purposes where there is not a certified handling agent
- Provide cockpit crew with quick reference Dry Operating Weight/Index information
- Investigate crew/staff error reports to ensure that the flight management system is correct and for the safety of all aircraft
- Do seat row index trims and compare with system trims to ensure system is calculating accurately
- Assist different stations after hours when called to support
- Create/maintain post departure messages for SAA and handled carriers
- Load Personal Computer load sheet at all stations for back up purposes which are developed as programmed
- Keep up to date distribution list of AHM560/565 for handling agent not using our flight management system
- Liaise with technology service providers when analysing system performance, diagnosing issues and planning for future changes
- Participate in system reviews to include technical problems, provide solutions for hardware, software, and systems and troubleshoot operating anomalies using data review and methodologies and automated evaluation
- Test all new developments and enhancements and the signing off thereof
- Administer systems and user IDs which include creation, deletion, modification, resets or extension locally and internationally
- Document, communicate and escalate technical issues and articulate business impact
- Review and interpret technical information and analyse situations to define issues and make recommendations
- Plan/implement system migrations and new routes and hands on at stations
- Assist with investigations of fraudulent activities in the operations
- Provide reporting information on new enhancements to the team to inform decision making processes
- Adhere to performance management schedule and relevant practices
- Provide optimized W and B data and maintain records of all calculations and work done for each aircraft
- Monitor and weigh aircraft according to prescribed procedures, declare the weight to the SACAA and produce Weight and Balance reports for SAA and 3rd Party air