Why is weight and balance critical on the A320 and how do you verify CG compliance?

• A. CG has no effect on performance.
• B. CG affects stability and controllability; verify via load sheet/CG indicator and ensure CG remains within limits.
• C. CG is only important for takeoff.
• D. CG verification is unnecessary.

Answer: (B)

Weight and balance on the A320 is about where the airplane’s weight sits along the longitudinal axis, because the center of gravity position directly affects stability and controllability. If the CG is too far forward, elevator authority is reduced and takeoff/rotation becomes harder; if it’s too far aft, the airplane can become overly pitch-sensitive and harder to control, with limited elevator effectiveness during critical phases. The CG envelope is defined in the weight and balance data and changes with fuel, passengers, and baggage, so staying within those limits is essential for safe handling and performance.

Verification is done by checking the load sheet, which lists weight, moments, and the calculated CG for the planned configuration, against the published CG limits. In the cockpit, a CG indicator shows the current CG position, and you ensure it lies within the permitted range for the current weight and configuration. If the CG is outside limits, you adjust loading or fuel distribution so the CG moves back into the allowable area before departure.