When accomplishing loading computations for a small aircraft, necessary information obtained from the weight and balance records would include which of the following?

• A. Current Empty Weight and Empty Weight CG
• B. Maximum Takeoff Weight
• C. Fuel On Board
• D. Pilot Names

Answer: (A)

When doing loading computations, you must start from the airplane’s baseline weight and where that weight is located before adding any payload. The empty weight and the empty weight CG tell you exactly that: the aircraft’s weight and the position of that weight on the balance before you load fuel, passengers, or cargo. With that baseline, you can add the weights of fuel, crew, passengers, and baggage, calculate the new moment (weight times arm) and the new CG, and then compare the resulting gross weight and CG to allowable limits.

That baseline data is the necessary information from the weight and balance records. The maximum takeoff weight is a regulatory limit you must stay under, but it’s not the data used to perform the loading computation itself. Fuel on board is part of the loading calculation, but the records provide the baseline reference (empty weight and CG) you need first. Pilot names are not relevant to the weight-and-balance calculation.