Which of the following can provide the empty weight of an aircraft if the aircraft's weight and balance records became lost, destroyed or otherwise inaccurate?

• A. Reweighing the aircraft
• B. The applicable Aircraft Specification or TCDS
• C. The applicable flight manual or pilot's operating handbook
• D. The pilot's license

Answer: (A)

Reweighing the aircraft provides the actual empty weight for that specific airframe. This establishes the true baseline (the weight of the aircraft with all fixed equipment and standard installations, without payload or usable fuel). Once you have that current empty weight, you can calculate the aircraft’s moments and center of gravity for any planned configuration by adding fuel and payload and using their known arms. The Aircraft Specification or TCDS gives general design data for the model, not the current weight of a particular aircraft. The flight manual or POH contains weight and balance guidance and limits, but it does not supply the actual empty weight for the specific airplane. The pilot’s license has no bearing on determining empty weight.