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Aircraft performance and handling characteristics are affected by the gross weight and
center of gravity limits. If every pilot were to understand and respect this fact,
general aviation accidents could be reduced dramatically. An overloaded or improperly
balanced aircraft will require more power and greater fuel consumption to maintain flight,
and the stability and controllability will be seriously affected. Lack of appreciation
for the effects of weight and balance on the performance of aircraft, particularly in
combination with such performance reducing factors as high density altitude, frost or ice
on the wings, low engine power, severe or uncoordinated maneuvers, and emergency
situations, is a prime factor in many accidents.
This review of the fundamentals of aircraft weight and balance is provided to remind
pilots of the effects that adverse loading can have on aircraft performance.
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