Private Pilot Private Exam

What must pilots account for when calculating loading and weight distribution?

1. Altitude of the flight

2. Age of the aircraft

3. Center of gravity limits

4. Type of fuel used

The correct answer is: Center of gravity limits

Pilots must prioritize the center of gravity limits when calculating loading and weight distribution because the center of gravity (CG) is crucial for maintaining the aircraft's stability and control during flight. The position of the CG affects how the aircraft performs, including how it handles in turns, how responsive it is to controls, and its overall aerodynamics. Flying outside of the specified CG limits can lead to serious handling issues such as difficulties in taking off, lack of control during flight, and challenges in landing. Therefore, understanding and correctly calculating the CG based on weight distribution is a critical aspect of pre-flight planning. While factors like altitude, the age of the aircraft, and the type of fuel used can influence certain operational aspects and performance, they do not directly impact the aircraft's balance in the same fundamental way that CG limits do. Calculating the CG ensures that the aircraft operates safely and efficiently.