Aircraft Moment

Moment describes the turning effect of a load around the aircraft datum. In a basic weight and balance calculation it is weight multiplied by arm.

Use the calculator: Choose your aircraft model to calculate loaded weight, center of gravity and margin to the applicable limits.

Weight and balance guides: Weight and balance · Center of gravity · CG envelope · Moment · Basic empty weight · Fuel weight

Moment = Weight × Arm

Example

A 170 lb occupant at an arm of 37 in produces 6,290 lb-in of moment. A load with the same weight placed farther aft produces a larger moment.

Add the moments of the empty aircraft, occupants, baggage and fuel. Dividing the total moment by total loaded weight gives the loaded CG position.

CG = Total Moment ÷ Total Weight

Many POH loading tables divide moment by 1,000 simply to keep the printed numbers manageable. The underlying calculation is the same.

Use a model-specific WBcalc calculator to perform the calculation with the loading stations for a supported aircraft.

WBcalc provides model-specific calculators with aircraft loading stations, fuel data and CG limits. Browse all supported aircraft calculators.

WBcalc is a planning aid. Approved aircraft documents and the current aircraft weight and balance record remain authoritative.