What term describes removable or installed weight used to bring the center of gravity into the allowable range?

• A. Ballast
• B. Payload
• C. Fuel
• D. Trim

Answer: (A)

Balancing the airplane so the center of gravity stays within the allowed limits is essential for safe control and stability. When the loaded weight or fuel distribution would place the CG outside those limits, removable or installed weight is added specifically to move the CG back toward the safe range. This adjustable weight is called ballast. It’s designed to be added or removed as needed, so the airplane can be balanced for different loads or flight phases.

Ballast differs from payload, which is the usable load carried by the aircraft (passengers and cargo) and isn’t primarily used for fine-tuning CG. Fuel affects the CG as it changes during flight, but it isn’t referred to as ballast. Trim refers to aerodynamic adjustments that help maintain a steady pitch without continuous control input, not weight adjustments to the CG.