Aircraft Weight and Balance Definitions

Reference Datum:

The reference datum is an imaginary vertical plane from which horizontal distances are
measured for aircraft weight and balance purposes. The reference datum is at location "0"
and measurements for other reference points, like the baggage area or the passenger seats,
are made in relation to the reference datum. The datum is determined by the
manufacturer, and in small aircraft, the reference datum is often located along the firewall
or at the leading edge of the wing.

Station:

In terms of weight and balance on an airplane, the station is a location along the airplane
fuselage given in terms of distance from the reference datum.

Arm:

The arm is the horizontal distance from the reference datum to the center of gravity (CG)
of an item.

CG Arm:

The CG arm (where CG stands for center of gravity) is the arm obtained by adding the
aircrafts individual moments and dividing the sum by the total weight of the unit.

Moment:

A moment is the product of the weight of an item multiplied by its arm. (Moment/1000 is
used to simplify digits in some cases).

Center of Gravity (CG):

And aircraft's center of gravity is the point at which it would balance if it were suspended
in air. Its distance from the datum is found by dividing the total moment by the total
weight of the airplane. The center of gravity can be thought of as where all of the
aircraft's mass is concentrated, or the "heaviest" part of the airplane.
Center of Lift:

The center of lift is the point along the chord line of an aircraft wing or airfoil at which
the force of lift is concentrated.

CG Limits:

The forward and aft center of gravity locations for which the airplane must be operated
within are referred to as CG limits. CG limits are based on a given weight.

Chord:

The chord, or chord line, of a wing, is an imaginary line representing a straight-line

distance from the leading edge to the trailing edge of an airfoil.

Standard Empty Weight:

The empty weight of an aircraft is the weight of the aircraft without including passengers,
baggage, or fuel. Standard empty weight usually includes unusable fuel, full operating
fluids, and full engine oil.

Basic Empty Weight:

Basic empty weight of an airplane is the standard empty weight of the airplane plus
optional equipment installed.

Maximum Landing Weight:

The maximum landing weight is, as you might imagine, the maximum aircraft weight
limit approved for an aircraft to land. Landing above this weight can cause structural
damage.

Maximum Ramp Weight:

The maximum weight for maneuvering on the ground is called the max ramp weight.
Max ramp weight includes the weight of fuel used for start, taxi, and aircraft run-up
procedures.

Maximum Takeoff Weight:

The maximum weight limits for an aircraft to begin its takeoff roll is called the max
takeoff weight.
Useful Load:

The useful load is the difference between ramp weight or max allowable weight and basic
empty weight. Useful load is the weight of the useful items on board, such as passengers
and baggage.

Payload:
An aircraft's cargo, baggage, and passengers (including pilots) make up its payload.

Load Factor:
The ratio of the amount of load and aircraft can withstand to its maximum weight is
called the load factor.

Tare:
Tare is the weight of chocks, blocks, stands, etc. used when weighing an airplane. Tare
weight is included in the scale readings and deducted from the scale reading to obtain the
actual (net) airplane weight.

Standard weights of fluids:

Fuel: 6 lbs/gal

Oil: 7.5 lbs/gal

Water: 8.35 lbs/gal

Source: FAA Aircraft Weight & Balance Handbook, FAA-H-8083-1A