In ballast weight and CG calculations, what statement is true?

In ballast weight and CG calculations, what statement is true?

• A. Ballast affects both total weight and CG location and must be included in calculations.
• B. Ballast is only a visual weight and does not affect CG.
• C. Ballast should be ignored in preflight checks.
• D. Ballast is illegal to use in gliders.

Answer: (A)

Ballast changes both how much it weighs and where that weight sits, so it must be included in every weight-and-balance calculation. When ballast is added at a specific location, it increases the total gross weight and shifts the center of gravity toward the ballast. If you don’t include ballast, your calculated CG and gross weight can be off, potentially moving the CG outside the permitted range and altering stability, controllability, and stall characteristics. Ballast is not just a visual or ignored weight; it’s a practical tool used to achieve safe, optimal balance, and it’s a routine part of preflight calculations.

Ballast changes both how much it weighs and where that weight sits, so it must be included in every weight-and-balance calculation. When ballast is added at a specific location, it increases the total gross weight and shifts the center of gravity toward the ballast. If you don’t include ballast, your calculated CG and gross weight can be off, potentially moving the CG outside the permitted range and altering stability, controllability, and stall characteristics. Ballast is not just a visual or ignored weight; it’s a practical tool used to achieve safe, optimal balance, and it’s a routine part of preflight calculations.