The concern related to the overloading of the aircraft during charter operations.
The reporter expressed a safety concern relating to the operation of PA-31s being operated by [operator] from [location] airport.
The reporter has advised that these aircraft have been observed, departing with full passengers and baggage. The aircraft were not observed conducting engine run-ups while they taxied directly to the runway. The climb out performance observed would indicate that the aircraft are often operating at or above the maximum take-off weight. They were observed taking off into a low-level cloud base. In an overloaded aircraft in IMC conditions, if an engine failed, the pilot would have great difficulties maintaining control of the aircraft.
The aircraft have also been observed departing, IFR and fully loaded, for destinations, which due to the weather conditions, required an alternate, but with no capacity to hold the required fuel for an alternate.
This attitude to safety does not display a professional attitude by the operators of the company.
In response to this REPCON report, the operator supplied a number of completed loading sheets for the aircraft which they operate.
CASA conducts regular ramp checks and system audits within the scope of surveillance on the operator and these matters have been noted for future surveillance.