Weight and Balance

Everyone knows what Weight and Balance is, but not everyone realizes just how important it is. An overweight aircraft, or one whose center of gravity is outside the allowable limits, is inefficient and dangerous to fly. All aircraft regardless of their use are sensitive to weight and to their center of gravity.

Effects of Weight on an Aircraft

Most modern aircraft are designed so that if all seats are occupied, max baggage is carried, and all the fuel tanks filled to the top, the aircraft will be grossly overloaded. This design gives the pilot a great deal of latitude in loading the aircraft for a particular flight. If the pilot needs range, then cargo must be reduced in favor of fuel. If the pilot needs to carry the maximum load, then fuel must be reduced.

What happens if the aircraft is overloaded?

• The aircraft will need a higher takeoff speed, longer takeoff run
• The rate and angle of climb will be reduced
• Cruising speed will be reduced
• Cruising range will be reduced
• Longer landing roll will be required
• Excessive loads on the landing gear

When does the weight and balance need updating?

• When there is no record
• If the aircraft has not been weighed within the last 5 years
• After any major repairs
• After any major alterations
• After the aircraft is painted
• If the aircraft "feels" different in flight
• In the case of an experimental, before inspection

Why does an aircraft need to be weighed?

• If there is no record of a weight and balance, how does the pilot accurately compute takeoff and landing distance and weight?
• Over time an aircraft will gain weight. Usually minor repairs and alterations are the major sources of weight change.
• If an aircraft has been damaged and repaired how much weight was added or taken away?
• If an upgrade in powerplant or propeller has been completed, how much weight was added or taken away?
• A paint job will affect the total weight of an aircraft.
• If the aircraft "feels" different in the air, is it because it is overloaded or the CG is out of limits?

The list can go on and on. An aircraft that is overloaded and or out of CG limits is inefficient and dangerous. The inefficiency causes a higher fuel burn, needs a longer takeoff and landing run, and the saftey margin is reduced if an emergency condition arises.

You need to know what your empty weight and center of gravity is to be able to load your aircraft for the most efficient and safe operation possible. Keeping the weight and center of gravity within the manufactures recommendations will also keep excessive wear and tear down.