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Aircraft Basic Empty Weight

Basic empty weight is the starting point for a weight and balance calculation. It normally includes the aircraft in its defined empty condition plus the items specified by the applicable aircraft documentation.

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

Why two aircraft of the same model differ

Avionics, paint, interiors, repairs, installed equipment and approved modifications can change both basic empty weight and empty CG. That is why the current value belongs to the individual airframe.

Reference values on WBcalc

Where a POH contains a clearly identifiable sample loading problem, WBcalc may prefill that sample weight and arm as a convenience. It is explicitly marked as a reference value and should be replaced with the individual aircraft’s current certified values for actual flight planning.

Do not treat a POH sample as your aircraft’s certified empty weight. Use the current weight and balance record for the airplane being flown.

Where to find the actual value

Look in the current aircraft weight and balance documentation, equipment-change record or equivalent approved record carried for the airplane.

Calculate weight and balance for your 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.

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