weightandbalance

Weight and balance refers to the practice of determining and controlling the distribution of weight within a vehicle to ensure the center of gravity remains within approved limits for safe operation. In aviation, calculations use the aircraft’s basic empty weight, payload (passengers, baggage, cargo), and fuel weight to compute total loaded weight and the center of gravity (CG). The CG is found by summing each item’s weight multiplied by its moment arm (distance from a reference datum) to yield a total moment; CG = total moment divided by total weight. The CG location is typically expressed as a percent of mean aerodynamic chord or as a distance from the datum and must lie within the forward and aft CG limits for all phases of flight.

Process: before flight, a load manifest lists weights and their locations. A weight and balance officer or computer system calculates the resulting CG and total weight, checks them against the aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight and the permissible CG envelope, and ensures validity for expected flight conditions. If loading places the CG outside limits, redistribution, different seating or baggage placement, or fuel adjustments are required.

Methods and data: calculations can be done manually or with weight-and-balance software that uses standardized arm tables and moment data from the aircraft flight manual. Key terms include basic empty weight, usable load, zero-fuel weight, and moment. Changes in loading or fuel require recalculation to maintain safe aircraft handling.

Regulatory context: aviation authorities require documented weight and balance data and timely verification after modifications, loading changes, or maintenance to ensure compliance and safe operations.