Ian Kalter

02/06/11

II.H. Airplane Weight and Balance________________________________________________

References:
1. FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook)
2. AC 61-23 (Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)
3. AC 91-23 (Pilots Weight and Balance Handbook)

Objective To provide the pilot with an understanding of the fundamentals of Weight and Balance.

Elements 1. Weight and Balance Terms.

2. Effect of weight and balance on performance.
3. Methods of weight and balance control.
4. Determination of total weight and center of gravity and the changes that occur when adding,
removing, or shifting weight.

Schedule 1. Discuss Objectives 03

2. Review Material 02
3. Development 20
4. Conclusion 05

Equipment 1. Airplane Flying Handbook

2. White board and markers
3. Model airplane

IP’s Actions 1. Discuss lesson objectives

2. Present Lecture
3. Ask and Answer Questions

SP’s Actions 1. Participate in discussion

2. Take notes
3. Ask and respond to questions

Completion This lesson will be complete when the student demonstrates an understanding of the elements
Standards related to Airplane Weight and Balance.

II. H. Airplane Weight and Balance

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 Ian Kalter
02/06/11

Instructor’s Notes: Airplane Weight and Balance_____________________________________

INTRODUCTION:

WHAT? – Weight is a measure of the attractive force of the earth’s gravity upon a material body. It is an
indication of mass or heaviness. Center of gravity is the point an object would balance if it were
possible to support it there. It is the theoretical point at which the entire weight of the object is
assumed to be concentrated.

WHY ? - It is of prime concern to be certain of an aircrafts proper loading. Failure to ensure loading within
specified Weight can cause excessive stress on the airframe and / or prevent flight. Failure to ensure
and maintain loading within established Center of Gravity limits can cause an airplane to be unstable
and uncontrollable and cause or prevent recovery from a stall.

OVERVIEW - This lesson will cover the basic elements pertaining to Airplane Weight and Balance, including:

DEVELOPMENT:

HOW ?
1.) Weight and balance terms.
A.) Arm (moment arm) - - the horizontal distance in inches from the reference datum line to the center of
gravity of the item. The algebraic sign is (+) if measured aft of the datum and minus(-) if measured
forward of the datum.
B.) Basic Empty Weight - - the standard empty weight plus optional and special equipment.
C.) Center of Gravity (CG) - - the point about which an airplane would balance if it were possible to suspend
it at that point. Expressed in inches from the reference datum.
D.) Center of Gravity Limits - - the specific forward and aft or lateral points within which the CG must be
located during flight for safe control and maneuverability. These limits are indicated in your POH or the
FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual.
E.) Center of Gravity Range - - the distance between the forward and aft CG limits indicated in your POH or
the FAA-approved AFM
F.) Datum (reference datum ) line - - a line where all the measurements of arm are taken. The manufacturer
establishes the datum. Once the datum has been selected, all moment arms and the location of CG
range are measured from this point.
G.) Fuel load - - the expendable part of the load of the airplane. It includes only usable fuel, not fuel
required to fill the lines or that which remains trapped in the tank sumps.
H.) Maximum Gross Weight - - The maximum allowable weight of an airplane and its contents at takeoff.
I.) Moment - - the product of the weight of an item multiplied by its arm. Remember, an item’s arm is its +
or - distance from the datum line. Moments are expressed in pound-inches (lb.-in.). Total moment is the
weight of the airplane multiplied by the distance between the datum and the CG.
J.) Moment index (or index) - - a moment divided by a constant such as 100, or 1,000 or 10,000. This
simplifies weight and balance computations for airplanes when heavy items and long arms result in large,
unmanageable numbers.
K.) Payload - - the weight of occupants, baggage, and cargo.
L.) Standard Empty Weight. - - - the combined weight of the airframe, engine, and all operating equipment
that has a fixed location and is permanently installed in the airplane. It includes unusable (residual) fuel,
full operating fluids, and full oil.
M.) Standard weights - - established for numerous items involved in weight and balance computations.
1. Gasoline is 6-lb./U.S. gal.
2. Oil is 7.5-lb./U.S. gal.
N.) Station - - a location in the airplane which is identified by a number designating its distance in inches
from the datum
O.) Useful load - - the weight of the pilot, copilot, passengers, baggage, usable fuel, and drainable oil. It is
the basic empty weight subtracted from the maximum allowable gross weight. This term applies to
general aviation airplanes only.
II. H. Airplane Weight and Balance
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 Ian Kalter
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P.) Zero fuel weight - - the maximum weight of the loaded airplane before considering fuel weight.
2.) Effect of Weight and Balance on Performance
A.) The CG position influences the lift and angle of attack of the wing, the amount and direction of force on
the tail, and the degree of deflection of the stabilizer needed to supply the proper tail force for
equilibrium. The latter is very important because of its relationship to elevator control force.
B.) The airplane will stall at a higher speed with a forward CG location. This is because the critical angle of
attack is reached at a higher speed due to increased wing loading.
1. Higher elevator control forces normally exist with a forward CG location due to the increased
stabilizer deflection required to balance the airplane.
a) This could be especially important during take off rotation.
C.) The airplane will cruise faster with an aft CG location because of reduced drag.
1. The drag is reduced because a smaller angle of attack and less downward deflection of the stabilizer
are required to support the airplane and overcome the nose down pitching tendency.
2. However, the airplane becomes less and less stable as the CG moves rearward. This occurs because
when the angle of attack is increased, the center of lift, by moving forward, tends to loft the leading
edge of the wing even more. This tendency gives the wing an inherent quality of instability, while
the tail contribution is still stabilizing. When the center of lift is at the CG, neutral stability exists.
Any CG movement farther aft will result in an unstable airplane.
3.) Weight and balance control is a matter of serious concern to all pilots.
A.) The pilot must personally assume the responsibility.
1. The two variable factors which can change both total weight and CG location:
a) The loading
b) Fuel management
B.) Weight and balance information is available to the pilot in the form of:
1. Aircraft records,
2. Pilot operating handbooks
3. Placards in baggage compartments and on fuel tanks.
C.) The airplane’s owner / operator should make certain that up-to-date information is available for the
pilot’s use.
D.) Weight changes must be accounted for and proper notations made in the airplane’s weight and balance
records
4.) Determination of Total Weight and Center of Gravity
A.) PULL OUT A POH AND DO:
1. A weight and balance
2. Weight addition
3. Weight Subtraction
4. Weight Shift
PRIVATE PTS
Not Applicable (See Performance and Limitations)

COMMERCIAL PTS
Not Applicable (See Performance and Limitations)

COMPLETION
STANDARDS:
1. This lesson will be complete when student has adequate understanding and can complete Airplane
Weight and Balance computations.

II. H. Airplane Weight and Balance

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