Describe the way you would find the empty weight and empty weight center of gravity of an airplane if there are no weight and balance records available.

• A. The aircraft is weighed, and the empty weight center of gravity is computed. These values are recorded in new weight and balance records started for the aircraft.
• B. Use manufacturer-provided data.
• C. Estimate from similar aircraft.
• D. The pilot estimates the values.

Answer: (A)

When there are no weight and balance records, you establish a reliable baseline by weighing the aircraft to determine its empty weight and empty weight center of gravity. Place the airplane on certified scales at the main gear and nose gear (and any other scale points used by the weighing system) with it configured in its empty condition—no payload and with the aircraft’s fixed equipment and fluids as installed, which includes unusable fuel. Record the individual scale weights, then compute the empty weight CG by multiplying each scale weight by its respective arm, summing those moments, and dividing by the total empty weight. This gives you the precise empty weight and CG for that specific aircraft, which you then document in new weight and balance records for future reference. Manufacturer data or estimates aren’t sufficient on their own when no records exist, because actual weight distribution can vary due to variations in equipment, modifications, or condition.