When weighing an aircraft for empty weight CG, what must be included?

When calculating the empty weight center of gravity (CG) for an aircraft, it is essential to include all operating equipment that is installed in the aircraft at the time of weighing. This includes not only the required equipment that is necessary for flight but also any optional equipment that is part of the aircraft configuration.

The empty weight is defined as the weight of the aircraft at the time of weighing without any usable fuel or payload but does include all equipment that is permanently installed, regardless of whether it is categorized as required or optional. This is important as the specific configuration of the aircraft will affect its flight characteristics, balance, and performance. Thus, accurately accounting for all operating equipment leads to a more reliable assessment of the aircraft’s weight and balance, which is critical for safe operations.

By including everything installed, you ensure that the calculated CG is reflective of how the aircraft will perform under typical operating circumstances, taking into consideration the total load that will influence flight dynamics.