Regional Jet 700 ER/LR (CRJ700)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Weight And Balance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Security
Aircraft; Procedure; Human Factors; Company Policy
I was PIC for the aircraft's first flight of the day. I was handed a security sweep form signed by ground personnel stating that the exterior compartments had been inspected by station personnel per the recent crew memo. The First Officer completed his preflight per the memo. After we arrived [at our destination] ramp personnel informed me that there was 'at least' 600 LBS of ballast in the forward cargo compartment. We had no knowledge of this prior to departure and did not put the required ballast weight on the weight and balance form. The flight had been completed with no significant issues.This should not have happened. Ground personnel are required to search the forward cargo compartment and then declare that the aircraft has been searched and sign the security sweep form. It is obvious that no one looked into the forward cargo compartment at all or they would have seen the ballast. Perhaps even more troubling; this aircraft flew a revenue flight the night prior and I doubt the ballast was noted on THEIR weight and balance form. Prior to that flight the aircraft was repositioned from a hub where; presumably; the ballast was loaded. The same First Officer flew the first two flights and should have known the ballast was on board (there was a Captain swap for the second leg). This First Officer should have notified the new Captain that they had loaded ballast for the reposition flight.
Despite having received a signed security form advising the exterior compartments had been inspected as required prior to departure; the Captain of a CRJ-700 was advised after landing that the forward cargo compartment contained 'at least 600 LBS' of ballast weight; weight the reporter believes was added on a repositioning flight. The aircraft had flown at least three legs since that flight without notification to the crews that the ballast was aboard.