Weight, Balance, and Loading: How Center of Gravity Drives Aircraft Performance

Loading

Deciding how much mass goes onboard an aircraft and where that mass is placed.

Weight

The force due to gravity acting on the aircraft’s mass.

Balance

How weight is distributed relative to the aircraft’s reference points.

Center of Gravity (CG)

The point where the aircraft would balance if supported at a single point.

Datum

A reference plane from which distances are measured.

Arm

The distance from the datum to where a particular weight acts.

Moment

The turning effect of a weight about the datum.

Longitudinal Stability

The aircraft’s tendency to naturally return to a trimmed angle of attack after a disturbance.

Pitch Control Authority

The ability of the elevator/stabilizer to pitch the nose up or down.

Forward CG

A center of gravity location that increases longitudinal stability but requires more tail load.

Aft CG

A center of gravity location that decreases stability and increases pitch sensitivity.

Stall Speed

The minimum speed at which an aircraft can maintain level flight.

Takeoff Performance

The distance and conditions required for an aircraft to become airborne.

Climb Performance

The ability of an aircraft to gain altitude after takeoff.

Cruise Performance

The efficiency and speed at which an aircraft can fly level over a distance.

Landing Performance

The conditions and distance required for an aircraft to land safely.

Moment Index

A precomputed table to support weight-and-balance calculations.

Cargo Shift

The movement of cargo during flight that can affect the aircraft's center of gravity.

Control Inputs

Pilot actions that affect the flight path of the aircraft.

Safety Margins

Buffers built into flight operations to ensure safe performance.

Weight Distribution

The way weight is located throughout the aircraft affecting its balance.

Ground Handling Risk

Safety concerns associated with improper loading of goods.

Pitch Sensitivity

The aircraft's responsiveness to control inputs that affect its nose position.

Load Sheet

A document detailing the loading arrangement for weight distribution.

Performance Margin

The additional capacity beyond what is strictly necessary for safe operations.

High-Lift Devices

Tools or surfaces used to increase lift at lower speeds.