Weight and Balance
Last updated: April 20, 2026 · Maintained by Aviatr Editorial Team
What is Weight and Balance?
Weight and balance is the pre-flight calculation confirming an aircraft's total mass is within limits and its centre of gravity (CG) falls within the certified forward and aft envelope. Both conditions — below maximum takeoff weight and within the CG range — must be satisfied simultaneously for safe, stable flight.
CG = ΣMoments / ΣWeightsHow is Weight and Balance used?
Every flight requires a weight-and-balance computation before departure. Pilots sum the empty weight, fuel, crew, passengers, and cargo, then calculate the CG by dividing the total moment (each weight multiplied by its arm distance from the datum) by the total weight. A forward CG makes the aircraft nose-heavy and requires excessive elevator back-pressure to flare for landing; an aft CG reduces stability and can make stall recovery difficult or impossible. Commercial operators use electronic load sheets that compute weight and balance automatically from passenger boarding and cargo loading data. EASA Mass and Balance theoretical knowledge exams test trim-tank calculations, standard passenger weight tables, and CG shift during fuel burn on long sectors. Light-aircraft pilots typically carry a laminated weight-and-balance chart specific to their aircraft registration.