Aircraft Weight and Balance and Load Control Checklist
This aircraft weight and balance load control checklist ensures compliance with FAA 14 CFR Part 91.9 (Placarded Weight Limits), FAA AC 120-27 (Aircraft Weight and Balance Control), FAA 14 CFR Part 121.693 (Load Manifest), aircraft Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS) limits, and IATA ULD loading regulations. Designed for load controllers, dispatchers, and flight crew to verify aircraft is loaded within certified weight and CG limits before every flight.
- Industry: Aviation
- Frequency: Per Event
- Estimated Time: 15-30 minutes
- Role: Load Controller / Flight Dispatcher
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: FAA 14 CFR Part 91.9 Placarded Weight Limits, FAA AC 120-27 Aircraft Weight and Balance Control, FAA 14 CFR Part 121.693 Load Manifest Requirements, TCDS Aircraft Type Certificate Data Sheet, IATA ULD Regulations and Loading Instructions
Weight Data Collection
Aircraft weight inputs.
- Basic Operating Weight (BOW) from current aircraft record?
- Payload (passengers, bags, cargo) accurately calculated?
- Fuel weight correctly calculated (Jet-A: 6.7 lb/gal)?
- Standard or actual passenger weights used per company policy?
- All cargo and mail weighed and documented?
Weight Limit Compliance
MTOW, MLW, and MZFW verification.
- Gross takeoff weight at or below MTOW per TCDS?
- Estimated landing weight at or below MLW?
- Zero fuel weight at or below MZFW?
- Cargo floor load limits not exceeded?
- Individual cargo compartment weight limits not exceeded?
Center of Gravity
CG calculation and limits.
- Takeoff CG within AFM forward and aft limits?
- Landing CG within limits after fuel burn?
- Zero fuel CG within limits?
- CG shift during flight remains within limits throughout?
- Stabilizer trim setting provided to cockpit?
Loading Instructions
Physical loading coordination.
- Load plan distributed to ramp crew before loading?
- Special cargo (DG, live animals, valuables) loaded per SOPs?
- Last-minute changes (LMC) incorporated in final loadsheet?
- Loading confirmation received from ramp before departure?
- ULD/pallet positions correct for required CG?
Takeoff Performance
Performance at calculated weights.
- Runway length adequate for MTOW at departure conditions?
- Net climb gradient requirements met (all eng and OEI)?
- Obstacle clearance gradient met on departure procedures?
- Assumed temperature or derate valid for conditions?
- Alternate airport fuel and landing performance calculated?
Loadsheet Authorization
Final loadsheet sign-off.
- Final loadsheet issued to captain?
- Captain signed loadsheet accepting the load?
- Loadsheet retained per company retention policy?
- All weight discrepancies resolved before departure?
- Weight and Balance Notes
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Why Use This Aircraft Weight and Balance and Load Control Checklist?
This aircraft weight and balance and load control checklist helps aviation teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for load controller / flight dispatcher professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per event.
Ensures compliance with FAA 14 CFR Part 91.9 Placarded Weight Limits, FAA AC 120-27 Aircraft Weight and Balance Control, FAA 14 CFR Part 121.693 Load Manifest Requirements, TCDS Aircraft Type Certificate Data Sheet, IATA ULD Regulations and Loading Instructions. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Aircraft Weight and Balance and Load Control Checklist?
A Aircraft Weight and Balance and Load Control Checklist is a standardized inspection form used by load controller / flight dispatcher to ensure consistent aviation operations. It contains 35 inspection points organized into 6 sections. FREE aircraft weight balance load control checklist PDF. FAA 14 CFR Part 91.9, FAA AC 120-27, FAA 14 CFR Part 121.693 load manifest, MTOW and CG compliance. 30+ W&B checks. Download FREE template now.
How often should I use this aviation checklist?
This checklist is designed to be completed per event. Regular use ensures compliance with FAA 14 CFR Part 91.9 Placarded Weight Limits and FAA AC 120-27 Aircraft Weight and Balance Control and helps identify issues before they become problems.
Can I download this Aircraft Weight and Balance and Load Control Checklist as a PDF?
Yes, you can download this checklist as a FREE PDF for printing or offline use. The checklist includes 35 fields across 6 sections and typically takes 15-30 minutes to complete.
What compliance standards does this checklist cover?
This checklist helps ensure compliance with FAA 14 CFR Part 91.9 Placarded Weight Limits, FAA AC 120-27 Aircraft Weight and Balance Control, FAA 14 CFR Part 121.693 Load Manifest Requirements, TCDS Aircraft Type Certificate Data Sheet, IATA ULD Regulations and Loading Instructions. Following these standards protects your organization and ensures best practices.
How do I complete this aviation inspection checklist?
Begin by completing the header fields for Flight Number, Calculation Date/Time, Load Controller / Dispatcher, Aircraft Type, and Aircraft Registration. Work through each of the 6 sections, marking items Yes or No as applicable. Add notes for any issues found. The entire process takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes.
What are the key sections in this aviation checklist?
This aviation checklist is organized into 6 key sections: Weight Data Collection, Weight Limit Compliance, Center of Gravity, Loading Instructions, Takeoff Performance, Loadsheet Authorization. Each section contains specific inspection points that load controller / flight dispatcher must verify. The structured layout ensures nothing is missed during aviation inspections and makes the process efficient, typically taking 15-30 minutes to complete.
Who should use this Aircraft Weight and Balance and Load Control Checklist?
This checklist is primarily designed for load controller / flight dispatcher working in aviation operations. However, it is also valuable for quality assurance teams, safety officers, compliance managers, and supervisors who need to verify that aviation standards are being met. Organizations of all sizes can benefit from using this Aircraft Weight and Balance and Load Control Checklist to maintain consistency and accountability.