What is the purpose of weight and balance calculations in aviation?

Weight and balance calculations are a critical aspect of aviation that focus primarily on ensuring safety and performance during flight. These calculations help determine whether the aircraft's weight is within allowable limits and if its center of gravity (CG) is within specified parameters.

When an aircraft is loaded either too heavily or unevenly distributed, it can adversely affect its handling characteristics, stability, and performance. For example, if the CG is too far forward or aft, it can lead to difficulty in controlling the aircraft, particularly during takeoff and landing. Proper weight and balance calculations help pilots make informed decisions about loading cargo, passengers, and fuel to maintain safe operational parameters.

While optimizing fuel efficiency and other aspects of flight planning can be influenced by weight and balance, the primary purpose remains firmly rooted in ensuring the safety of the aircraft and its performance capabilities. Therefore, making sure the aircraft is loaded correctly is critical to flight safety, which is why this choice accurately captures the essence of why weight and balance calculations are performed.