Use this application when you need to make changes to your weight and balance form, or, to calculate weight and balance when loading the aircraft for a trip.

Updating Your Weight & Balance Form

When you add or remove a piece of equipment, the weight and balance of your aircraft changes. The Federal Aviation Administration requires that the Weight and Balance Form kept in the aircraft is maintained and up-to-date. This is easily accomplished by weighing the item added or removed and measuring the distance from the datum line to the center of gravity of the item. This distance is known as the Arm. The Moment is the product of the weight, times the arm.

The new center of gravity of the aircraft is achieved by summing the moments of each item, including that of the aircraft and, then, dividing that number by the sum of the weight of the aircraft plus all of the items in the aircraft. When in the air, this also includes the passengers, luggage, and fuel.

There is an area known as the Envelope which lies between the most forward point to which the center of gravity can be moved, and the most aft point to which the center of gravity can be moved. As long as the center of gravity is kept between these two points the aircraft will fly safely. If the center of gravity lies outside the envelope the plane becomes unsafe to fly. This application will detect that condition and warn you when it happens.

Planning A Trip

When planning a trip and loading your plane with luggage, as well as taking guests who may be slightly over-weight, you will find this application very helpful. Simply input the information including the weight and arm of passengers, luggage, etc. When everything has been entered you will know if you are going to be over-weight or outside of the envelope. If you receive no warnings you can expect your trip to be a safe one. If you do receive a warning, you will need to plan differently before trying to fly.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Getting Started

If you are using this application for the first time you need to locate your operator's manual and the current weight and balance form. Find the weight and balance information in the manual and be prepared to enter the following information:

The above information can be found in most aircraft operating manuals. As you log in and create an account for your aircraft you will enter this data into a database. Then you will be asked to enter the items, which have been installed in your aircraft such as radios, antennas, etc. This information can be found on the existing weight and balance form. Once you have finished entering all of the data from your operator's manual and the weight and balance form you can print out a new form.

The following information is useful when calculating the weight and arm of both engine oil and fuel. If you remove or add equipment, simply delete or add the new items. The database will remain updated with each change made. You may return as often as possible to print new weight and balance forms or to simply plan a flying trip. You may also create as many different configurations as you would like. One for the weight and balance form and another for planning trips (N5528C and N5528C-2).

Fly Safe!