Mass and Balance

Mass and balance are crucial factors in ensuring the safe operation of an aircraft. "Mass and balance" refers to both the aircraft's weight and the position of its center of gravity. Aircraft are designed to function within specific mass and balance parameters, and operating outside of these limits can compromise controllability and endanger safety.

To ensure safe take-offs, landings, and flight control, aircraft operators and pilots must adhere to EASA Air Ops mass and balance regulations. EASA regulations prohibit any flight unless, throughout every phase, the aircraft's load and balance comply with the limitations specified in the approved Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) or Pilot Operating Handbook (POH).

Moreover, there are stringent regulations that require operators or owners to determine the aircraft's mass and center of gravity (CG). All configurations must be approved and comply with the AFM/POH. Both operators and pilots are responsible for ensuring that the aircraft’s mass and balance remain within approved limits for the entire flight. Pilots must be aware of the various aircraft weights and their corresponding center of gravity to maintain safe operations.

This course aims to meet the learning objectives of EC regulation 1178/2011 on Flight Crew Licensing and provide students with a thorough understanding of mass and balance considerations.