Cessna 182s Weight and Balance Calculator

Accurately calculate your Cessna 182's weight and balance to ensure safe flight operations.

Weight & Balance Inputs

Calculation Results

The weight and balance calculation involves summing the moments (Weight x Arm) of all items, then dividing the total moment by the total weight to find the aircraft's center of gravity (CG).

Weight & Balance Envelope

Itemized Weight & Moment Schedule

Item	Weight (lbs)	Arm (inches)	Moment (inch-lbs)

What is Cessna 182 Weight and Balance?

The Cessna 182 weight and balance calculation is a critical process for ensuring the safe and legal operation of this popular single-engine aircraft. It determines whether the aircraft's total weight and the location of its center of gravity (CG) fall within the approved limits specified by the manufacturer. Failing to maintain the aircraft within these parameters can lead to reduced aerodynamic performance, decreased stability, and potentially loss of control. This makes understanding and performing accurate Cessna 182 weight and balance checks non-negotiable for every pilot.

Who should use it? Any pilot operating a Cessna 182, whether for personal travel, flight training, or commercial purposes, must perform a weight and balance calculation before each flight. This includes student pilots, private pilots, commercial pilots, and Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs). It's also essential for aircraft owners and maintenance personnel during annual inspections or when modifications are made. Accurate Cessna 182 weight and balance is fundamental to flight safety.

Common Misconceptions: One common misconception is that if the total weight is below the maximum gross weight, the aircraft is automatically within CG limits. This is false; a very light aircraft can still be out of CG limits if the weight is concentrated too far forward or aft. Another misconception is that once an aircraft is weighed, its weight and balance status remains constant. However, changes in paint, installed equipment, or even routine maintenance can alter the aircraft's empty weight and CG, necessitating re-evaluation. Accurate Cessna 182 weight and balance requires attention to detail.

Cessna 182 Weight and Balance Formula and Mathematical Explanation

The core principle of aircraft weight and balance revolves around two key factors: total weight and the location of the center of gravity (CG). The CG is the point where the aircraft would balance if suspended. It's typically expressed in inches from a designated "datum line" – an arbitrary reference point established by the manufacturer.

The fundamental formula used is: Moment = Weight × Arm Where:

• Weight is the mass of an item or the aircraft itself.
• Arm is the horizontal distance from the datum to the item's center of gravity.
• Moment is the turning effect of the weight about the datum, measured in pound-inches (lb-in) or inch-pounds (in-lbs).

To determine the aircraft's overall CG, we sum the moments of all individual components (including the empty aircraft, fuel, passengers, and baggage) and then divide by the total weight of all components.

Overall CG = Total Moment / Total Weight

Step-by-step Derivation:

1. Determine the Aircraft's Empty Weight and Empty Weight CG (EWCG): This is established through a certified weighing of the aircraft and is typically found in the aircraft's Weight and Balance Manual or FAA-approved data.
2. Calculate the Moment for Each Item: For every item added to the aircraft (pilot, passengers, baggage, fuel), multiply its weight by its respective arm (distance from the datum).
3. Sum All Moments: Add the moment of the empty aircraft to the moments of all added items (passengers, baggage, fuel). This gives you the Total Moment.
4. Sum All Weights: Add the empty weight of the aircraft to the weights of all added items. This gives you the Total Takeoff Weight.
5. Calculate the Actual CG: Divide the Total Moment by the Total Takeoff Weight.
6. Compare with Limits: Check if the calculated Actual CG falls within the Forward and Aft CG Limits specified for the aircraft. Also, ensure the Total Takeoff Weight does not exceed the Maximum Gross Weight.

Variables Table:

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range (Cessna 182)
Empty Weight (E.W.)	Weight of the aircraft without occupants, baggage, or usable fuel. Includes fixed equipment.	lbs	1500 – 1750 lbs
Empty Weight CG (EWCG)	Center of Gravity of the aircraft in its empty configuration.	inches from datum	68 – 72 inches
Arm	Horizontal distance from the datum to the CG of an item or the aircraft.	inches	Variable (e.g., 38″ for front seats, 48.5″ for rear, 56″ for baggage)
Moment	Result of multiplying weight by its arm.	lb-in (pound-inches)	Variable (calculated)
Total Moment	Sum of moments of all items in the aircraft.	lb-in	Calculated based on load
Total Weight	Sum of weights of the aircraft, fuel, occupants, and baggage.	lbs	Calculated based on load
Actual CG	The calculated CG of the loaded aircraft.	inches from datum	Calculated based on load
Forward CG Limit	The most forward allowable CG position.	inches from datum	Typically around 69.2 inches
Aft CG Limit	The most aft allowable CG position.	inches from datum	Typically around 79.0 inches
Maximum Gross Weight (MGW)	The maximum allowable takeoff weight.	lbs	Typically 2950 lbs
Fuel Weight	Weight of usable fuel.	lbs	~288 lbs for 48 gallons (avgas)

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Example 1: Standard Flight (Pilot + Passenger + Baggage + Full Fuel)

Scenario: A pilot planning a trip with one passenger and some baggage. The aircraft's empty weight is 1600 lbs with an EWCG of 70.5 inches. The CG limits are 69.2″ (forward) and 79.0″ (aft). Maximum gross weight is 2950 lbs.

Inputs:

• Empty Weight: 1600 lbs
• Empty Weight CG: 70.5 inches
• Pilot: 170 lbs at 38 inches
• Passenger: 160 lbs at 38 inches
• Baggage 1: 50 lbs at 56 inches
• Baggage 2: 0 lbs at 76 inches
• Fuel: 48 gallons (approx. 288 lbs) at 41 inches

Calculations:

• Empty Moment: 1600 lbs * 70.5 in = 112,800 lb-in
• Pilot Moment: 170 lbs * 38 in = 6,460 lb-in
• Passenger Moment: 160 lbs * 38 in = 6,080 lb-in
• Baggage 1 Moment: 50 lbs * 56 in = 2,800 lb-in
• Fuel Moment: 288 lbs * 41 in = 11,808 lb-in
• Total Moment: 112,800 + 6,460 + 6,080 + 2,800 + 11,808 = 139,948 lb-in
• Total Weight: 1600 + 170 + 160 + 50 + 288 = 2268 lbs
• Actual CG: 139,948 lb-in / 2268 lbs = 61.70 inches

Interpretation: The actual CG of 61.70 inches is well within the forward limit of 69.2 inches and the aft limit of 79.0 inches. The total weight of 2268 lbs is also significantly below the maximum gross weight of 2950 lbs. This configuration is safe.

Example 2: Maximum Load Scenario (Four Adults + Max Baggage + Fuel)

Scenario: A flight with four adults, maximum allowed baggage, and full fuel.

Inputs:

• Empty Weight: 1600 lbs
• Empty Weight CG: 70.5 inches
• Pilot: 180 lbs at 38 inches
• Passenger 1 (Front): 170 lbs at 38 inches
• Passenger 2 (Rear): 190 lbs at 48.5 inches
• Passenger 3 (Rear): 200 lbs at 48.5 inches
• Baggage 1: 120 lbs (Max for Baggage 1) at 56 inches
• Baggage 2: 70 lbs (Max for Baggage 2) at 76 inches
• Fuel: 48 gallons (approx. 288 lbs) at 41 inches

Calculations:

• Empty Moment: 1600 * 70.5 = 112,800 lb-in
• Pilot Moment: 180 * 38 = 6,840 lb-in
• Pax 1 Moment: 170 * 38 = 6,460 lb-in
• Pax 2 Moment: 190 * 48.5 = 9,215 lb-in
• Pax 3 Moment: 200 * 48.5 = 9,700 lb-in
• Baggage 1 Moment: 120 * 56 = 6,720 lb-in
• Baggage 2 Moment: 70 * 76 = 5,320 lb-in
• Fuel Moment: 288 * 41 = 11,808 lb-in
• Total Moment: 112,800 + 6,840 + 6,460 + 9,215 + 9,700 + 6,720 + 5,320 + 11,808 = 168,863 lb-in
• Total Weight: 1600 + 180 + 170 + 190 + 200 + 120 + 70 + 288 = 2818 lbs
• Actual CG: 168,863 lb-in / 2818 lbs = 59.93 inches

Interpretation: The actual CG of 59.93 inches is significantly forward of the limit (69.2 inches). The total weight of 2818 lbs is below the maximum gross weight of 2950 lbs. While the weight is acceptable, the CG is too far forward. To correct this, weight would need to be shifted aft (e.g., moving baggage to the rearmost possible position if allowable by its own CG limits, or potentially reducing passenger weight if feasible). This highlights how even within weight limits, CG can become a limiting factor.

How to Use This Cessna 182 Weight and Balance Calculator

Using this Cessna 182 weight and balance calculator is straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure your flight is properly balanced:

1. Enter Aircraft Details: Input your Cessna 182's specific Empty Weight and its corresponding Empty Weight CG. These values are crucial and can be found in your aircraft's Weight and Balance Manual or POH (Pilot's Operating Handbook).
2. Define CG Limits: Enter the Forward CG Limit and Aft CG Limit for your specific Cessna 182 model. These are also found in the POH.
3. Input Load Details: Carefully enter the weights and their respective CG arms (distances from the datum) for all items that will be onboard:
   • Pilot
   • Passengers (Front and Rear)
   • Baggage (in the appropriate compartments)
   • Usable Fuel (in gallons)
   Ensure you use the correct CG arm for each item/seat/compartment as per your aircraft's manual.
4. Click Calculate: Once all inputs are entered, click the "Calculate" button.

How to Read Results:

• Total Moment & Actual Takeoff Weight: These are intermediate values showing the combined effect of your load.
• Actual Takeoff CG: This is the most critical calculated value. It shows where the aircraft's center of gravity will be at takeoff.
• Maximum Useful Load: An approximation based on typical Max Gross Weight, indicating how much weight (passengers, baggage, fuel) your aircraft can carry.
• Main Result (Status): This will clearly state if your aircraft is "Within Limits," "Forward CG Limit Exceeded!," "Aft CG Limit Exceeded!," or "Over Maximum Gross Weight!". Look for the colored indicator.
• Itemized Table & Chart: Review the table for a breakdown of each item's contribution to the total moment. The chart visually displays your actual CG relative to the aircraft's CG limits.

Decision-Making Guidance:

• If the status indicates "Within Limits," your aircraft is balanced correctly for takeoff.
• If the status indicates an exceeded limit (Forward or Aft CG, or Max Gross Weight), you MUST adjust the load. This might involve removing weight, shifting baggage, or carrying less fuel. Re-calculate after making changes. Never take off with an out-of-limits weight and balance configuration.
• Use the "Copy Results" button to save or share your calculation details.
• Use the "Reset Defaults" button to start over with the typical Cessna 182 values.

Key Factors That Affect Cessna 182 Weight and Balance Results

Several factors significantly influence the Cessna 182 weight and balance calculation and the resulting flight safety. Understanding these is crucial for pilots:

• Empty Weight and CG Changes: Any modification, repair, or addition of equipment (like avionics upgrades, de-icing boots, or interior changes) permanently alters the aircraft's empty weight and CG. These changes necessitate a re-weighing and updating of the aircraft's Weight and Balance data. Small changes can have cumulative effects.
• Passenger and Baggage Loading: The distribution of weight is paramount. Placing heavier items or passengers in forward seats or at the forward edge of baggage compartments will shift the CG forward. Conversely, placing weight aft shifts the CG aft. Even seemingly small amounts of baggage can affect the CG if placed in compartments with arms far from the datum.
• Fuel Load: Fuel is a significant consumable weight. As fuel burns off during flight, the total weight decreases, and the CG also shifts. The CG of the fuel itself depends on the tank design and where the fuel is located relative to the datum. In most aircraft, fuel burn causes the CG to move forward as fuel is consumed (if tanks are forward of the CG), or aft (if tanks are aft of the CG). The calculation typically uses *usable* fuel.
• Datum Reference Point: The choice of datum by the manufacturer is arbitrary but fixed. All arms are measured from this point. A datum located ahead of the aircraft's nose is common. Understanding the datum's location is key to correctly interpreting arm measurements.
• Seat and Baggage Compartment Limitations: Aircraft POHs specify maximum weights for individual seats and baggage compartments, and often define CG range limits *within* those compartments. Exceeding these can be unsafe even if the overall aircraft CG is within limits, due to structural stress or door operation issues.
• Aircraft Model Variations: Different Cessna 182 models (e.g., Skylane, Turbo Skylane, RG models) have different empty weights, CG ranges, and maximum gross weights. Always use the data specific to your aircraft's registration and model. Relying on generic data can be dangerous.
• Unusable Fuel: While calculations typically use *usable* fuel, pilots must ensure they don't rely on the weight of unusable fuel for balance. In very forward CG situations, taking off with minimum fuel might be necessary, but pilots must remain aware of fuel endurance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the datum in a Cessna 182?

The datum is an arbitrary reference point chosen by the manufacturer from which all horizontal distances (arms) are measured. For the Cessna 182, the datum is typically located at a specific point forward of the aircraft's nose, often defined in inches. Always refer to your specific aircraft's POH for the exact datum location.

How often should a Cessna 182 be re-weighed?

A Cessna 182 should be re-weighed and its weight and balance data updated whenever the aircraft's empty weight changes by more than 1% of its maximum gross weight (typically around 30 lbs for a 2950 lb MGW aircraft), or after significant modifications like installing new avionics, major repairs, or changes to fixed equipment. It's also good practice to re-evaluate if there are suspicions about the accuracy of current data.

Can I carry more passengers if I reduce baggage?

Yes, potentially. If you are close to the maximum gross weight or nearing the aft CG limit, reducing baggage weight might allow you to carry heavier passengers or vice-versa, as long as the total weight and CG remain within limits. Always recalculate after making load changes.

What happens if my Cessna 182 is out of CG limits?

Flying an aircraft outside its CG limits is extremely dangerous. It can lead to reduced controllability, decreased maneuverability, and potential loss of control, especially during critical phases of flight like takeoff, landing, or in turbulent conditions. You must adjust the load to bring the CG within limits before flight.

Does the calculator account for unusable fuel?

This calculator uses the weight of *usable* fuel. Unusable fuel is not typically included in weight and balance calculations for takeoff because it cannot be safely consumed or used for balancing. Pilots must ensure their flight plan accounts for endurance based on usable fuel.

What are typical CG arms for different locations in a Cessna 182?

Typical CG arms vary by specific 182 model and modifications. However, common ranges are:

• Forward Seats (Pilot/Co-pilot): Around 38 inches
• Rear Seats: Around 48.5 inches
• Baggage Compartment 1: Around 56 inches
• Baggage Compartment 2: Around 76 inches
• Fuel Tanks: Often forward, around 41 inches.

Always consult the aircraft's POH or Weight and Balance Manual for exact figures.

Can I use this calculator for other aircraft?

While the *principles* of weight and balance apply to all aircraft, the specific inputs (empty weight, EWCG, CG limits, arm locations, maximum gross weight) are unique to each make and model. This calculator is specifically calibrated for a typical Cessna 182. For other aircraft, you must use a calculator or manual specific to that aircraft type.

What is the difference between Moment and CG?

Moment (Weight x Arm) represents the *turning effect* of a weight about the datum. Center of Gravity (CG) is the calculated point where the aircraft would balance, found by dividing the Total Moment by the Total Weight. CG is expressed as a distance (e.g., inches from datum), while Moment is a value used in the calculation.