What is the purpose of load and balance control before a flight?

• A. Ensure CG within approved limits; maintain controllability and predictable handling.
• B. Calculate fuel burn.
• C. Determine color of aircraft.
• D. Schedule maintenance.

Answer: (A)

Keeping the center of gravity within approved limits is essential before every flight. The CG location along the airplane’s longitudinal axis directly affects how the aircraft will respond to your controls and how stable it will be during flight. If the aircraft is loaded too far forward, the nose wants to drop more easily and elevator authority becomes less effective, making pitch control more demanding and the handling less predictable. If it’s loaded too far aft, the airplane can become too light in pitch, harder to control, and stall characteristics can change in unsafe ways. By verifying weight and balance, you ensure the aircraft remains controllable and behaves predictably under normal flight loads and during typical maneuvers. The plan also accounts for CG movement as fuel is burned and payload changes, keeping the aircraft within limits throughout the flight. The other options aren’t related to how the aircraft will fly—fuel burn calculations, color, or maintenance scheduling do not affect longitudinal balance or controllability.