How do weight and balance affect landing performance?

• A. Heavier weight and forward/aft CG can increase landing distance; planning must ensure margins with runway length and braking capability
• B. They do not affect landing distance
• C. Only forward CG affects takeoff
• D. They affect stall speed only

Answer: (A)

Landing performance hinges on the energy the airplane has to absorb and the control you have to manage that energy during touchdown. Heavier weight raises both the landing speed and the kinetic energy at touchdown, so more runway and braking capability are required to bring the airplane to a stop safely. The center of gravity position affects how the airplane sits and responds during the flare and touchdown; if the CG is too far forward or aft, elevator authority and pitch behavior can be less predictable, making it harder to achieve an optimal touchdown attitude and timing. That combination of higher speed/energy and potentially more challenging control during the flare can increase the distance needed to stop. Therefore, planning must include margins for runway length and braking capability to account for different weight and balance conditions.