Weight and Balance Control | Commuter Category and Large Aircraft

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 […]

Determining Changes in Weight and CG When the Aircraft Is Operated in Its Cargo Configuration To determine changes in weight and CG when the aircraft is operated in its cargo configuration, the Beech 1900 is used as an example. Figure 1 illustrates the airplane configuration. Notice that the arm of each cargo section is the

Determining the Maximum Amount of Payload That Can Be Carried The primary function of a transport or cargo aircraft is to carry payload, which is the portion of the useful load, passengers, or cargo that produces revenue. To determine the maximum amount of payload that can be carried, both the maximum limits for the aircraft

Since large aircraft can carry substantial cargo, adding, subtracting, or moving any of the cargo from one hold to another can cause large shifts in the CG. Effects of Loading or Offloading Cargo Both the weight and CG of an aircraft are changed when cargo is loaded or offloaded.In the following example, the new weight

Operational empty weight (OEW) is the basic empty weight or fleet empty weight plus operational items. The operator has two choices for maintaining OEW. The loading schedule may be utilized to compute the operational weight and balance of an individual aircraft, or the operator may choose to establish fleet empty weights for a fleet or

A loading schedule is used to document compliance with the certificated weight and balance limitations contained in the manufacturer’s AFM and weight and balance manual. The basic operating weight (BOW) and the operating index are entered into a loading schedule like the one in Figure 1, and the variables for a specific flight are entered

The weight and balance system should include methods by which a complete, current, and continuous record of the weight and CG of each aircraft is maintained, such as a log, ledger, or other equivalent electronic means. Alterations and changes affecting the weight and/or balance of the aircraft should be recorded in this log. Changes in

When the aircraft is properly prepared for weighing, roll it onto the scales, and level it. The weights are measured at three weighing points: the two main wheel points and the nosewheel point. The empty weight and empty weight CG (EWCG) are determined by using the following steps with the results recorded in the weight

Prior to being placed into service, each aircraft is weighed and the empty weight and CG location established. New aircraft are normally weighed at the factory and are eligible to be placed into operation without reweighing if the weight and balance records were adjusted for alterations and modificationsto the aircraft, such as interior reconfigurations. An