How is weight and balance checked before flight?

• A. Weigh all passengers individually.
• B. Confirm weight and CG using published data, verify actual payload and fuel loads, ensure CG is within limits.
• C. Only verify total payload; CG is assumed.
• D. Weights are not checked; rely on default values.

Answer: (B)

Weight and balance before flight is about making sure the airplane’s total weight and its center of gravity are within the certified envelope so the airplane remains controllable and predictable throughout the flight.

The best approach is to use published data as the baseline and then verify the actual loads. Start from the published weight data for the airplane (basic operating weight and the corresponding center-of-gravity information) and add the actual payload (passengers, baggage, cargo) and the actual fuel quantity. From those numbers you calculate the total weight and the overall moment, which gives you the actual center of gravity. That actual CG is then checked against the allowable limits. If the CG lies outside the permitted range, you adjust the loading (redistribute baggage, move items, or change fuel distribution) so the CG shifts back inside the envelope before takeoff.

We don’t rely on weighing every passenger or assume the CG is correct or that weights don’t matter. Using published data with verified actual loads ensures the weight and balance are accurate and compliant, which is essential for safe takeoff, climb, and handling.