Cub Crafters CC18-180 Pilot Operating Handbook page 133

CUB CRAFTERS
CC18-180
6 WEIGHT AND BALANCE
6.1 INTRODUCTION
This section provides two very important pieces of information.
Paragraph 6.3 describes the methods for determining the
empty weight of the aircraft and the position of the center of
gravity relative to the datum. Paragraph 6.5 supplies the
information necessary to calculate the takeoff weight and the
position of the center of gravity for a given flight. An example is
provided in paragraph 6.6.
Weight and balance limits are placed on aircraft for two
reasons:

The structure was designed to carry a certain weight.

Weight and the position of the center of gravity affect
performance, stability and control characteristics,
particularly in stall and spin recovery.
The aircraft will only attain the performance and exhibit the
handling characteristics used for certification if it is flown with
the center of gravity within the approved range. An overloaded
aircraft will not take off, climb or cruise as well as a properly
loaded one. Center of gravity is a determining factor in flight
characteristics. If the C.G. is too far forward, the aircraft will
require large stick forces for control and runs the risk of nosing
over on the ground. If the C.G. is too far aft, the aircraft may
pitch up during climb. Longitudinal and directional stability will
be reduced. This can lead to inadvertent stalls and even spins.
Spin recovery will become more difficult.
The CC18-180 will perform as intended when it is properly
loaded. Before it was delivered, the aircraft was weighed and
the C.G. location was computed. You will find this information
in paragraph 6.4.
Issued: 05/31/05
Date of Revision: 05/29/08
WEIGHT AND BALANCE
REPORT TC10000AFM
Page Number: 6-1
SECTION 6