Weight & Balance

Accurate aircraft weight and balance control is essential for safe flight operations and regulatory compliance. Every aircraft must operate within specific weight and center of gravity (CG) limits to ensure proper stability, controllability, and structural integrity. Maintenance technicians and engineers must understand how weight distribution affects aircraft performance and how to properly calculate and verify … Read more

Almost all weight and balance problems involve only simple math. This allows slide rules and hand-held electronic calculators to relieve much of the tedium involved with these problems. This post compares the methods of determining the center of gravity (CG) of an airplane while it is being weighed. First, it shows how to determine the … Read more

This section discusses general guidelines and procedures for weighing large fixed-wing aircraft exceeding a takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds. Several examples of center of gravity (CG) determination for various operational aspects of these aircraft are also included. Persons seeking approval for a weight and balance control program for aircraft operated under Title 14 of the … Read more

Helicopter weight and balance management demands a higher degree of precision than most fixed-wing aircraft operations. Because a helicopter relies on rotor thrust for both lift and control, even small shifts in center of gravity (CG) can significantly affect controllability, stability, and performance. Unlike many airplanes that tolerate relatively wider CG ranges, helicopters operate within … Read more

The largest weight changes that occur during the lifetime of an aircraft are those caused by alterations and repairs. It is the responsibility of the FAA-certificated mechanic or repairman doing the work to accurately document the weight change and record it in both the maintenance records and the Pilot’s Operating Handbook/Aircraft Flight Manual (POH/AFM). Equipment … Read more

Accurate weight and balance control is especially critical in multiengine airplanes, where higher performance and greater loading flexibility can quickly lead to unsafe center of gravity (CG) conditions if not carefully managed. Because multiengine aircraft often carry more passengers, baggage, and fuel than smaller airplanes, pilots must have a clear understanding of how each item … Read more

Weight and balance computations are a fundamental responsibility for every pilot operating a single-engine aircraft. Proper loading directly affects aircraft stability, performance, fuel efficiency, and most importantly, safety. An aircraft that is too heavy or improperly balanced may have reduced climb capability, longer takeoff distances, higher stall speeds, and unpredictable handling characteristics. Because of these … Read more

Weight and balance principles apply to all aircraft regardless of configuration, but the method of control and structural design greatly influence how these principles are evaluated. Aircraft such as weight-shift-control (WSC), powered-parachute (PPC), and amateur-built aircraft differ significantly from conventional airplanes because the pilot often controls attitude by shifting mass or by suspended loading rather … Read more

The Weight and Balance Theory post explained the theory of weight and balance and gave examples of the way the center of gravity (CG) could be found for a lever loaded with several weights. In this post, the practical aspects of weighing an airplane and locating its CG are discussed. Formulas are introduced that allow … Read more

Weight and balance in aircraft is based on the law of the lever. This post discusses the application of the law of the lever and its applications relative to locating the balance point of a beam or lever on which various weights are located or shifted. The post also discusses the documentation pertaining to weight … Read more