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 does the Aircraft Weight and Balance and Load Control Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Weight Data Collection, Weight Limit Compliance, Center of Gravity, Loading Instructions, Takeoff Performance, Loadsheet Authorization. It is designed for aviation operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed per event. Each completion takes approximately 15-30 minutes.
Who should use this Aircraft Weight and Balance and Load Control Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Load Controller / Flight Dispatcher professionals in the aviation industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.