This calculator represents the normal-category landplane loading data for the Cessna 172 from the FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet. Enter the current basic empty weight and arm from the weight and balance record for the individual aircraft.
Maximum weight: 2,200 lbs. Usable fuel: 37 US gal. Fuel arm: 48 in.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum weight | 2,200 lbs |
| Forward CG at 1,733 lbs or less | 36.4 in |
| Forward CG at 2,200 lbs | 40.8 in |
| Aft CG limit | 46.4 in |
| Usable fuel | 37 US gal |
| Fuel arm | 48 in |
| Baggage | Maximum baggage: 120 lb at +95 in. |
| Certification source | FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet 3A12 |
| Aircraft weight | Forward CG limit | Aft CG limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1,733 lbs or less | 36.4 in | 46.4 in |
| 2,200 lbs | 40.8 in | 46.4 in |
The forward limit varies linearly between the published FAA TCDS breakpoints. The aft limit shown above is constant across the normal-category range represented here.
| Station | Arm | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot and front passenger | 36 in | |
| Rear passengers | 70 in | |
| Baggage | 95 in | 120 lbs |
| Fuel | 48 in | 37 US gal usable |
Fuel capacity used by this calculator: 37 US gal usable at +48 in. At the calculator's standard 6 lb per US gallon fuel weight, full usable fuel weighs 222 lbs.
Maximum baggage: 120 lb at +95 in.
WBcalc intentionally does not prefill a generic empty weight or empty CG for this page. Those values vary by individual aircraft and equipment configuration. Use the current certified weight and balance record for the airplane being loaded.
The Cessna 172 calculator on this page is model-specific. It uses the loading limits stored for this aircraft configuration rather than applying a generic set of limits to the whole Cessna family.
The maximum takeoff weight represented by this calculator is 2,200 lb. Total loaded weight must be checked separately from center of gravity because an aircraft can be below maximum weight and still be outside its approved CG envelope.
For the configuration represented here, the forward CG limit is 36.4 inches at 1,733 lb and reaches 40.8 inches at 2,200 lb. The aft CG data represented by the calculator runs from 46.4 inches at 1,733 lb to 46.4 inches at 2,200 lb. Where a limit changes between published weight points, WBcalc uses straight-line interpolation between the stored breakpoints.
A calculated loading must satisfy both the forward and aft CG limits. Being below maximum aircraft weight does not by itself mean that the loading is acceptable.
This calculator represents up to 37 US gallons of usable fuel at a fuel arm of 48 inches. The calculation uses a fuel weight of 6 lb per US gallon. Fuel contributes both weight and moment, so changing fuel quantity can change both total aircraft weight and loaded CG.
Passenger, baggage and other loads must be applied at the correct loading stations. The calculator uses the following station data for the represented configuration:
Pilot and front passenger is represented at an arm of 36 inches.
Rear passengers is represented at an arm of 70 inches.
Baggage is represented at an arm of 95 inches with a maximum load of 120 lb.
Start with the current basic empty weight and basic empty arm from the weight and balance record for the individual aircraft. Do not assume that the empty weight of another aircraft of the same model is correct for the airplane being loaded.
Next enter the actual occupants, baggage and usable fuel for the planned flight. If the calculator provides an adjustable arm field, enter the applicable loading position from the approved aircraft loading information. Then calculate the total loaded weight and center of gravity and compare the result with the limits shown by WBcalc.
Use the current certified basic empty weight and empty CG or arm for the individual airplane. Empty-weight data can change when avionics, interior equipment, paint, repairs, optional equipment or approved modifications are added or removed. A generic model value is therefore not a substitute for the current aircraft weight and balance record.
The datum represented by this calculator is: Firewall / datum used by FAA TCDS 3A12. Arms and center-of-gravity positions are measured relative to the applicable aircraft datum.
Other Cessna aircraft calculators available on WBcalc include Cessna 150, Cessna 150A, Cessna 150B, Cessna 150C, Cessna 150D, Cessna 150E, Cessna 150F, Cessna 150G. Use the exact model and configuration that applies to the aircraft being loaded.
The calculator on this page represents a maximum takeoff weight of 2,200 lb. Confirm that this weight applies to the serial number, configuration and approved modifications of the individual aircraft.
The configuration represented by this page uses up to 37 US gallons of usable fuel. The applicable fuel system should always be verified against the aircraft POH or AFM and installed configuration.
Because basic empty weight and empty arm belong to the individual aircraft. WBcalc avoids presenting a generic value as though it were the current certified value for every Cessna 172.
Yes. Maximum weight and center of gravity are separate limitations. A loading can remain below maximum weight while the CG is too far forward or too far aft.
No. WBcalc is a planning and calculation aid. The approved POH or AFM, current aircraft weight and balance record, equipment list, supplements and other applicable approved documents remain authoritative.
The aircraft data stored on this page identifies the source as FAA TCDS 3A12, Model 172 normal-category landplane. Always verify that the represented configuration applies to the individual aircraft, including serial-number applicability, supplements and approved modifications.
Primary source: FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet 3A12. This page represents FAA TCDS 3A12, Model 172 normal-category landplane.
Aircraft modifications, supplements, different serial-number configurations, floats, STCs or other approved changes can alter applicable limits. Confirm the data against the documents for the individual aircraft before flight.
WBcalc is a planning aid, not a substitute for an approved POH/AFM, current aircraft weight and balance record, equipment list or supplements.
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