Weighing question

[C5Engineer 1170]

Does the tailwheel need to be leveled when weighing the tail? I know it does to measure the arm but does it make a difference for just determining the wheel weight of the tail?

[skysailor 0]

My understanding is that if you are doing a "weight & balance" (W&B) the aircraft must be in a "level" position according to specific directions provided by the designer.  Keeping in mind that when you weigh one wheel (tail, nose or main) you must keep all the other gear at the same elevation to eliminate any error.  So, if you are going to use the tail wheel weight in a calculation such as W&B then you must level the aircraft so that you measure the proper distribution of weight.  If all you are doing is tracking the weight at the tail then putting a scale under it will allow you to read within a certain margin of error any gross changes in tail weight.  But to be accurate it should always be in the very same orientation with regard to its elevation versus the elevation of the other gear.   

[akflyer 1427]

Yeppers, level the fuse so the bottom of the door sill is level.  As was stated above, measure the thickmness of the scale and make sure all weights are taken with fuse level both ways.