Definition
A weight and balance computation technique that uses load graphs and a moment envelope chart from the Pilot's Operating Handbook to determine whether an aircraft is loaded within its approved weight and center of gravity limits. The pilot reads each load item (fuel, occupants, baggage) off a graph to find its moment, sums the weights and moments, then plots the total on the moment envelope to confirm the aircraft is within limits.
Plain English
A way to check that an aircraft is loaded safely by reading values off charts in the aircraft's handbook instead of doing the multiplication math by hand. You look up each load on a graph, add up the numbers, and check the final point falls inside the safe area on a final chart.
Context Anchor
Seen in weight-and-balance planning before a flight, especially when using the loading charts in an aircraft handbook or operating manual.
Why Pilots Care
Loading an aircraft outside its weight and balance limits affects controllability, climb performance, and stall behavior. The graph method is one of the standard tools the manufacturer provides to make this check quick and reliable.
Intuition Check
Do not assume graph method means any use of a graph. In this context, it means a specific weight-and-balance method using the airplane’s loading graphs to find whether the planned load is within limits.
Example Sentence 1
Before the cross-country, she used the graph method to confirm the aircraft would still be within CG limits after burning off fuel.
Example Sentence 2
Using the graph method on the rate-of-climb chart showed the expected performance after takeoff under the existing temperature and weight.