Definition
The specific locations on an aircraft where scales or load cells are placed during a weighing procedure to support the aircraft and measure the weight carried at each point. Weighing points are designated by the aircraft manufacturer and are typically located at the main landing gear and either the nose gear or tail wheel, or at jacking pads built into the airframe.
Plain English
The exact spots on the aircraft where scales are placed when the aircraft is being weighed. The manufacturer tells you where these spots are.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance weight-and-balance procedures and aircraft weighing records.
Derivation
“Weigh” comes from an old word meaning to carry or measure weight, and “point” means an exact place. In aviation, that matters because the aircraft must be measured at exact support places, not just anywhere underneath it.
Why Pilots Care
Correct placement at these points produces accurate total weight and center-of-gravity data required for safe flight.
Intuition Check
Do not assume weighing points are any convenient places to put a scale. They are specific approved locations used so the aircraft’s weight and balance can be calculated correctly.
Example Sentence 1
Before rolling the aircraft onto the scales, the technician confirmed the weighing points listed in the maintenance manual.
Example Sentence 2
After the modification the aircraft was re-weighed at the approved weighing points listed in the maintenance manual.