Weight & balance limits
CG must sit between forward and aft CG limits (POH/AFM). Compute CG, check both.
| CG position | Fix |
|---|---|
| In limits: forward limit ≤ CG ≤ aft limit | Good to go |
| Out aft limit (too far aft) | Move load forward, from aft station (baggage, rear seats) to forward one |
| Out forward limit (too far forward) | Move load aft |
Shift load between two stations:
weight to shift = total weight × (distance the CG must move) / (distance between the two stations)
- Distance CG must move: CG beyond violated limit (CG minus that limit).
- Distance between stations: arms subtracted, not added.
- Result in input weight unit. Weight in kg, answer in pounds: convert first (1 kg ≈ 2.205 lb).
Add or remove weight at one station (alternative):
- CG forward of forward limit: add weight at the aft station.
weight to add = total weight × (forward limit − CG) / (aft arm − forward limit)
Either method: recompute CG, confirm inside both limits.
Trap: measuring CG error from the wrong limit, or adding station arms instead of subtracting.
References
- POH/AFM
- PHAK ch.10 Weight Shifting