# Weight and Balance Calculations
When determining whether an aircraft is properly loaded, crews must answer two questions:
* Is gross weight less than or equal to maximum allowable gross weight?
* Is the CG within the allowable range and will it stay within that range as fuel is burned off?
To answer the first question, add the weight of the items comprising the useful load (pilot, passengers, fuel, oil \[if applicable], cargo, and baggage) to the aircraft’s basic empty weight to determine if the total weight does not exceed maximum allowable gross weight.
To answer the second question, use CG or moment information from loading charts, tables, or graphs in the operator’s manual. Then, using one of the methods described below, calculate loaded moment and/or loaded CG and verify that it falls within the allowable CG range.
By totaling the weights and moments of all components and objects carried, crews can determine the point where a loaded aircraft balances. This point is known as CG.
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## Weight and Balance Methods
Since weight and balance are critical to safe operation of an aircraft, it is important to know how to check this condition for each loading arrangement. Most aircraft manufacturers use one of two methods, or a combination of these methods, to check weight and balance conditions—computational and/or loading chart.
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### Computational Method
To determine CG location of a loaded aircraft—
* Obtain the aircraft’s basic weight and moment from Department of Defense (DD) Form 365-3 (Weight and Balance Record, Chart C- Basic) and DD Form 365-4 (Weight and Balance Clearance Form F-Transport/Tactical).
* Obtain gross weight by adding the weight of the items being loaded to the aircraft’s basic weight.
* Compute the moment of each load item by multiplying its weight by its arm.
* Find gross weight moment by adding the basic aircraft moment and moments of the load items.
* Determine the CG location by dividing gross weight moment by gross weight.
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### Loading Chart Method
This method can use line tracing or table format to obtain moments. Figure 2-4, page 2-7, illustrates the chart method of obtaining moments for calculation of CG
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### Center of Gravity Limits
The CG limit chart (figure 2-5) allows the CG (inches) to be determined when total weight and total moment are known. Individuals can also use this chart to determine allowable CG range by noting the arm at the intersection of gross weight and forward/aft limits line
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