CUB CRAFTERS
SECTION 6
CC11-100
WEIGHT AND BALANCE
Issued: 08/01/06
REPORT SC10000AFM
Date of Revision: 10/31/11
Page Number: 6-1
6
WEIGHT AND BALANCE
6.1
INTRODUCTION
This section provides two very important pieces of
information. Section 6.3 describes the methods for
determining the empty weight of the aircraft and the
position of the center of gravity relative to the datum.
Section 6.5 supplies the information necessary to
calculate the takeoff weight and the position of the center
of gravity for a given flight. An example is provided in
paragraph 6.6.
Weight and balance limits are placed on aircraft for two
reasons:
The structure was designed to carry a certain
maximum weight.
Weight and the position of the center of gravity
affect both the performance and the stability and
control characteristics, particularly in stall and spin
recovery.
The aircraft will only attain the performance and exhibit
the handling characteristics used for certification if it is
flown with the center of gravity within the approved range.
An overloaded aircraft will not take off, climb, or cruise as
well as a properly loaded one. The center of gravity is a
determining factor in flight characteristics. If the CG is too
far forward, the aircraft will require high stick forces for
control and increases the risk of nosing over on the
ground. If the CG is too far aft, the aircraft may pitch up
during climb. Longitudinal and directional stability will be
reduced. This can lead to inadvertent stalls and even
spins. Spin recovery will become more difficult, if not
impossible.
