What is the correct process for verifying weight and balance before departure?

• A. Rely on last flight's weight
• B. Postpone weight checks until after takeoff
• C. Estimate weight by passenger count only
• D. Compute total weight including fuel and payload, confirm CG within limits using the published envelope, and adjust as needed

Answer: (D)

Weight and balance verification rests on calculating the airplane’s actual load and where that load sits. Before departure you must sum the total weight by including the empty airplane weight, all payload, passengers and baggage, and the fuel on board. Then you determine where the center of gravity ends up and compare that CG location to the published envelope for the planned takeoff configuration. If the calculated CG or total weight falls outside the allowed limits, you adjust—redistribute payload, offload items, or modify fuel planning—and recheck until the aircraft sits safely within the envelope.

This approach is essential because it ensures the airplane will behave as designed during takeoff, climb, and landing, providing proper stability and control authority. Relying on the previous flight’s weight ignores what’s actually loaded now, postponing checks risks unsafe takeoff conditions, and estimating weight by passenger count alone misses fuel and baggage that can shift the CG substantially.