What sequence correctly describes calculating weight and CG for a flight?

• A. Add fuel first, then payload.
• B. Start with empty weight and moment, add payload, add fuel, compute total weight and CG.
• C. Estimate CG visually.
• D. Ignore payload in CG.

Answer: (B)

Beginning with the empty weight and its moment sets a fixed baseline. You then add the payload (people, baggage, cargo), which shifts the CG toward where those masses sit, and finally add fuel, which changes both the total weight and the CG depending on where the fuel is stored. After all additions, you compute the total weight by summing all weights, and the total moment by summing all moments. The CG is found by dividing the total moment by the total weight. This sequence ensures you account for how each component moves the balance and yields an accurate CG for safe loading.

Estimating CG visually is not reliable, and ignoring payload would miss a significant part of the balance. While the numerical result would be the same regardless of the order you add items, following the stated sequence helps maintain consistency and accuracy in the calculation.