How does one calculate weight and balance for an aircraft?

To accurately calculate weight and balance for an aircraft, one must add up the weights and arm distances of all items on board. Weight and balance calculations are essential for flight safety, as they ensure that the aircraft is loaded within its prescribed limits for safe operation.

In this process, each item’s weight is determined, including the aircraft itself, passengers, cargo, and fuel. The "arm" refers to the distance from a reference point, usually the center of gravity (CG) of the aircraft, to where the weight is applied. The overall moment, which is the product of weight and arm, is then used to find the total weight and determine the corresponding CG. Ensuring that the CG is within the aircraft's specified limits is crucial for maintaining stable flight.

In contrast, simply measuring the fuel level does not provide a complete picture of the aircraft's overall weight and balance. Checking the aircraft's empty weight alone also fails to account for the weight of fuel, passengers, and cargo. Subtracting the payload from maximum takeoff weight does not result in a proper assessment of weight distribution or the effect on the center of gravity, as it doesn't consider where the weight is positioned within the aircraft. Thus, the comprehensive method of calculating all weights and arms