Certified Flight Instructor - Flight Instructor Airplane Practice Exam

When is the best time to perform a weight and balance check for a flight?

1. Before the flight during pre-flight planning.

2. After loading all passengers and cargo.

3. During descent to landing.

4. At any time during the flight.

The correct answer is: Before the flight during pre-flight planning.

Performing a weight and balance check before the flight during pre-flight planning is essential for several reasons. Primarily, it allows the pilot to ensure that the aircraft is within its weight limits and that the center of gravity (CG) falls within the prescribed limits for safe operations. This process helps to prevent potential issues related to excessive weight, which can affect performance during takeoff, climb, cruise, and landing phases. By checking weight and balance before the flight, the pilot has ample opportunity to redistribute cargo or passengers, make adjustments to fuel loads, or even cancel the flight if the aircraft cannot be safely loaded. This proactive measure reduces stress during the actual flight and enhances safety by confirming the aircraft's operational limits before it even leaves the ground. Conducting this check after loading all passengers and cargo introduces risks, as any discrepancies cannot be addressed once the flight is underway. Performing the weight and balance check during descent to landing or at any time during the flight does not afford pilots the opportunity to make necessary adjustments should they find the weight or balance to be outside safe parameters, which could lead to serious safety issues. Thus, it's clear that the best time for this critical assessment is prior to departure.