Definition
The repositioning of weight within an aircraft from one location to another, which changes the center of gravity (CG) without changing the total weight. The effect on CG depends on how far the weight is moved and how much weight is moved.
Plain English
Moving something that's already on the aircraft to a different spot. The plane weighs the same, but its balance point changes because the weight is now in a different place.
Context Anchor
Used in weight-and-balance planning when a pilot moves passengers, baggage, or cargo to bring the aircraft back within safe balance limits.
Why Pilots Care
An unsecured load can move during flight or maneuvers, shifting the center of gravity and creating control or stability problems.
Grounding Statement
If a heavy bag is moved from the rear baggage area to a forward seat, the airplane weighs the same, but its balance point moves forward.
Intuition Check
Do not think of a load shift as adding or removing weight. In this context, the weight stays on the aircraft; only its location changes.
Example Sentence 1
The CG was slightly aft of limits, so the pilot performed a load shift by moving two suitcases from the rear baggage area to the forward compartment.
Example Sentence 2
A load shift toward the tail moved the center of gravity beyond the aft limit.