DETERMINING LOADED WEIGHT AND CENTER OF GRAVITY

There are various methods for determining the loaded weight and center of gravity of an aircraft. There is the computation method, as well as methods that utilize graphs and tables provided by the aircraft manufacturer.

COMPUTATIONAL METHOD
The computational method involves the application of basic math functions. The following is an example of the computational method.

Given:
Maximum Gross Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3400 lb
Center-of-Gravity Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78-86 in
Front Seat Occupants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340 lb
Rear Seat Occupants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350 lb
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 gal
Baggage Area 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 lb

To determine the loaded weight and CG, follow these steps.
Step 1—List the weight of the airplane, occupants, fuel, and baggage. Remember that fuel weighs 6 pounds per gallon.
Step 2—Enter the moment for each item listed. Remember "weight x arm = moment."
Step 3—Total the weight and moments.
Step 4—To determine the CG, divides the total moment by the total weight.

NOTE: The weight and balance records for a particular airplane will provide the empty weight and moment as well as the information on the arm distance.

The total loaded weight of 3,320 pounds does not exceed the maximum gross weight of 3,400 pounds and the CG of 84.8 is within the 78-86 inch range; therefore, the airplane is loaded within limits.