Aircraft Weight and Balance Handbook (WBH)
The Aircraft Weight and Balance Handbook (FAA-H-8083-1B) is a free FAA publication covering weight and balance principles, calculations, and their effects on aircraft performance. It explains how to compute center of gravity, use CG envelopes, and understand the consequences of improper loading. Essential for all pilots. Download it at no cost from FAA.gov.
Why This Document Matters
Weight and balance is one of the most critical safety topics in aviation. An aircraft loaded outside its approved weight or CG limits may be uncontrollable. The Weight and Balance Handbook is the FAA's dedicated resource for mastering these calculations. While the PHAK covers weight and balance in one chapter, this handbook goes much deeper—covering the computational method, graph method, CG shift formulas, and the effects of loading on performance. Weight and balance problems appear on every pilot knowledge test, and DPEs expect you to demonstrate proper calculations during the checkride.
Chapter-by-Chapter Guide
What each section covers and the key topics to study
1Chapter 1: Weight and Balance Overview
Importance of weight and balance, terminology, and regulatory requirements.
Chapter 1: Weight and Balance Overview
Importance of weight and balance, terminology, and regulatory requirements.
Key Topics
2Chapter 2: Weight and Balance Fundamentals
Definitions of empty weight, useful load, arm, moment, datum, and center of gravity.
Chapter 2: Weight and Balance Fundamentals
Definitions of empty weight, useful load, arm, moment, datum, and center of gravity.
Key Topics
3Chapter 3: Weighing the Aircraft
Procedures for weighing aircraft and establishing an accurate empty weight.
Chapter 3: Weighing the Aircraft
Procedures for weighing aircraft and establishing an accurate empty weight.
Key Topics
4Chapter 4: Weight and Balance Calculations
Computational method, graph method, and table method for determining CG.
Chapter 4: Weight and Balance Calculations
Computational method, graph method, and table method for determining CG.
Key Topics
5Chapter 5: Effects of Weight on Performance
How weight affects takeoff, climb, cruise, stall speed, and landing performance.
Chapter 5: Effects of Weight on Performance
How weight affects takeoff, climb, cruise, stall speed, and landing performance.
Key Topics
Study Tips
- Practice weight and balance calculations by hand until you can do them confidently. You will be given a scenario on your checkride and expected to compute CG.
- Understand the difference between forward CG (more stable, higher stall speed) and aft CG (less stable, lower stall speed, potentially dangerous).
- Memorize the formula: CG = Total Moment / Total Weight. Also know the weight-shift formula: CG change = (weight shifted x distance shifted) / total weight.
- Always check weight and balance for both takeoff AND landing conditions. Fuel burn changes the CG position during flight.
- On the knowledge test, read weight and balance problems carefully. Common traps include using the wrong fuel weight (avgas is 6 lbs/gal, not 8) and confusing arm with moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Weight and Balance Handbook free?
Yes, it is a free PDF available from FAA.gov.
How much does aviation fuel weigh?
Aviation gasoline (avgas 100LL) weighs 6 pounds per gallon. Jet-A fuel weighs approximately 6.7 pounds per gallon. These values are important for weight and balance calculations.
What happens if CG is too far aft?
An aft CG beyond limits reduces stability and can make the aircraft uncontrollable. In extreme cases, the nose pitches up uncontrollably and the pilot cannot recover. Aft CG is generally more dangerous than forward CG.
Do I need this if weight and balance is already in the PHAK?
The PHAK covers the basics in one chapter. The Weight and Balance Handbook provides much more detail, including multiple calculation methods, real-world examples, and an in-depth discussion of how weight affects every aspect of performance. It is recommended for thorough preparation.
Quick Facts
- Document ID
- FAA-H-8083-1B
- Last Updated
- 2023
- Cost
- Free
- Publisher
- FAA
Applies To
Study Smarter
Get AI-powered study tools that turn the WBH into interactive flashcards, practice questions, and personalized study plans.
Try VectoredOps FreeNo credit card required
Related Documents
PHAK
FAA-H-8083-25CPilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
AFH
FAA-H-8083-3CAirplane Flying Handbook
Private Pilot ACS
FAA-S-ACS-6CPrivate Pilot Airman Certification Standards - Airplane
Plane Sense
FAA-H-8083-19APlane Sense - General Aviation Information
Master These Documents with AI-Powered Learning
VectoredOps turns FAA handbooks into interactive study tools. AI-generated flashcards, practice oral exams, and spaced repetition help you retain what you read.
Try VectoredOps FreeNo credit card required
Aircraft Weight and Balance Handbook (FAA-H-8083-1B) is an official FAA publication available at FAA.gov
VectoredOps is not affiliated with the Federal Aviation Administration. Always verify you have the most current version of any document before use.