Weight & Balance Calculator
Calculate aircraft weight distribution and center of gravity with visual envelope display for safe flight operations.
Weight & Balance Calculator
Weight & Balance Data
Loading Stations
Weight & Balance Summary
CG Envelope Display
Weight & Balance Reference
Fuel Calculation Reference
Aircraft Performance Database
Cessna 172 Series
- 172N (TCDS 3A12): Max weight 2,300 lbs, CG 35.0-47.3"
- 172S (TCDS 3A12): Max weight 2,550 lbs, CG 35.0-47.3"
- Typical Arms: Front seats 37", Rear seats 73", Baggage 95", Fuel 48"
Cessna 182 Series
- 182P (TCDS 3A13): Max weight 2,950 lbs, CG 32.5-47.3"
- 182T (TCDS 3A13): Max weight 3,100 lbs, CG 35.0-47.3"
- Typical Arms: Front seats 37", Rear seats 73", Baggage 95", Fuel 48"
Piper Cherokee Series
- PA-28-140 (TCDS 2A13): Max weight 2,150 lbs, CG 83.0-94.0"
- PA-28-161 (TCDS 2A13): Max weight 2,325 lbs, CG 83.0-93.0"
- PA-28-180 (TCDS 2A13): Max weight 2,400 lbs, CG 83.0-94.0"
- PA-28-181 (TCDS 2A13): Max weight 2,550 lbs, CG 83.0-93.0"
- Typical Arms: Front seats 85.5", Rear seats 118.1", Baggage 142.8", Fuel 95.0"
Important: These are reference values from Type Certificate Data Sheets (TCDS). Always verify your specific aircraft's weight and balance data from the POH and current weight & balance records. TCDS data is authoritative for CG limits and is updated periodically by the FAA.
Weight & Balance Regulatory Requirements
FAA Requirements (United States)
14 CFR 91.103 - Preflight Action
Each pilot in command shall, before beginning a flight, become familiar with takeoff and landing performance data for that flight, including weight and balance calculations.
14 CFR 23.23 - Load Distribution Limits
Establishes the range of center of gravity positions within which the airplane may be safely operated for all weights from the design minimum weight to the design maximum weight.
14 CFR 91.31 - Weight & Balance Requirements
No person may operate a civil aircraft unless the current weight and center of gravity are within the allowable limits specified in the aircraft flight manual.
AC 120-27F - Aircraft Weight & Balance Control
Provides standardized methods and procedures for aircraft weight and balance control programs, emphasizing the importance of accurate calculations.
EASA Requirements (Europe)
SERA.5005 - Pre-flight Action
Before commencing a flight, the pilot-in-command shall determine that the aircraft is loaded in such a manner that the center of gravity is within prescribed limits.
CS-23.23 - Load Distribution Limits
Certification specification requiring establishment of load distribution limits to prevent exceeding critical design loads during all phases of flight.
Part-ORO.MLR.100 - Mass and Balance System
Commercial operations must establish and maintain a mass and balance system ensuring aircraft are loaded within approved limits.
AMC1 ORO.MLR.100(a) - Mass & Balance
Acceptable means of compliance detailing weight and balance calculation procedures and documentation requirements.
Critical Safety Requirements
Weight & Balance Compliance
Operating outside approved weight and balance limits is illegal and extremely dangerous. Even minor exceedances can result in unrecoverable flight conditions, loss of control, or structural failure.
Documentation Requirements
Current weight and balance records must be available in the aircraft. These include the equipment list, weight and balance report, and any applicable loading schedules or charts.
Pilot Responsibility
The pilot-in-command is ultimately responsible for ensuring proper loading. This cannot be delegated and requires verification of calculations before every flight.
Professional Best Practices
Calculation Accuracy
- Use certified scales for actual weights
- Account for all items including fuel, oil, passengers, baggage
- Verify arm measurements from aircraft documents
- Double-check all calculations
Loading Strategy
- Plan loading to stay within envelope throughout flight
- Consider fuel burn effects on CG shift
- Use proper tie-down and securing procedures
- Consider emergency egress requirements
Documentation
- Maintain current weight and balance records
- Keep equipment list updated
- Document all modifications affecting weight/CG
- Retain calculations for inspection