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Weight and Balance Handbook

FAA-H-8083-1B Version 2016

Chapter 6

Multiengine Aircraft Weight and Balance Computations

Illustrated opening page for chapter 6 of the Weight and Balance Handbook.
Chapter 6 opener.

Introduction

Weight and balance computations for small multiengine airplanes are similar to those discussed for single-engine airplanes. See Figure 6-1 for an example of weight and balance data for a typical light twin-engine airplane.

Figure 6-1. Typical weight and balance data for a light twin-engine airplane.
Figure 6-1. Typical weight and balance data for a light twin-engine airplane.

The airplane in this example was weighed to determine its basic empty weight (BEW) and empty weight center of gravity (EWCG). The weighing conditions and results are shown below for weight with fuel drained and oil full:

  • Right wheel scales — 1,084 lb; tare 8 lb
  • Left wheel scales — 1,148 lb; tare 8 lb
  • Nose wheel scales — 1,202 lb; tare 14 lb

Determine the Loaded CG

First, add the weights indicated by the individual scales and then subtract the tare weights to determine the BEW. Next, using the BEW and EWCG, the loaded weight and CG of the aircraft can be determined with data from Figure 6-2, using a chart such as the one in Figure 6-3.

The aircraft is loaded as shown:

  • Fuel (140 gal) — 840 lb
  • Front seats — 320 lb
  • Row 2 seats — 310 lb
  • Forward baggage — 100 lb
  • Aft baggage — 90 lb

Chart Method Using Weight, Arm, and Moments

Make a chart showing the weight, arm, and moments of the airplane and its load.

Figure 6-2. Twin-engine airplane weight and balance diagram.
Figure 6-2. Twin-engine airplane weight and balance diagram.
Figure 6-3. Determining the loaded CG of the sample airplane in Figure 6-2.
Figure 6-3. Determining the loaded CG of the sample airplane in Figure 6-2.

The loaded weight for this flight is 5,064 pounds, and the CG is located at 42.47 inches aft of the datum.

To determine that the weight and CG are within the allowable range, refer to the CG range chart in Figure 6-4. Draw a line vertically upward from 42.47 inches from the datum and one horizontally from 5,064 pounds. These lines cross inside the envelope, showing that the airplane is properly loaded.

Figure 6-4. Sample CG range chart.
Figure 6-4. Sample CG range chart.

Determining the CG in Percentage of Mean Aerodynamic Chord (MAC)

Refer again to Figures 6-2 and 6-3.

  • The loaded CG is 42.47 inches aft of the datum.
  • The MAC is 61.6 inches long.
  • The LEMAC is located at station 20.1.
  • The CG is 42.47 – 20.1 = 22.37 inches aft of LEMAC.