Which statement about a loading envelope is true?

• A. If weight and CG cross within the envelope, the airplane is not properly loaded.
• B. If lines do not cross, the airplane is properly loaded.
• C. If lines cross within this envelope, the airplane is properly loaded.
• D. If weight is within envelope, CG must be at the forward limit.

Answer: (C)

A loading envelope shows all permissible weight and center-of-gravity (CG) combinations for safe flight. It’s a chart where you plot the airplane’s weight and its CG location; the acceptable area is inside the boundary of the envelope. The key point is that the airplane is properly loaded when the current weight and CG plot within that boundary.

Saying that lines cross within the envelope means the intersection point of the relevant limit lines falls inside the safe region, which indicates the weight and balance are both within their allowed limits. If the point were outside, it would not be properly loaded; the envelope only guarantees safety when the combination lies inside it. Also, it’s not required that the CG be at the forward limit or any specific spot within the envelope—any position inside is acceptable, as long as it remains within the boundaries.