Weight and Balance

Weight and Balance is the critical pre-flight process of verifying that an aircraft's total weight does not exceed structural limits and that the center of gravity (CG) falls within the certified envelope.

• Weight limits: MTOW, MLW, MZFW — each must not be exceeded
• CG limits: Forward limit (nose heavy — elevator authority) and aft limit (tail heavy — stability)
• Load sheet: Document prepared by load control showing final weights and CG position
• Trim setting: Takeoff trim is set based on CG position for proper rotation
• Forward CG: More stable but more drag (higher fuel burn) — elevator must push down more
• Aft CG: Less stable but more efficient — less elevator trim drag
• Out-of-envelope CG can make the aircraft uncontrollable — a serious safety hazard