Plain English Meaning

How the load in the aircraft is spread out — front to back, side to side, and top to bottom. Where you put the weight changes how the aircraft balances and flies.

Full Definition

The arrangement of weight throughout an aircraft, including how passengers, fuel, baggage, and cargo are positioned along the longitudinal, lateral, and vertical axes. Weight distribution determines where the center of gravity (CG) falls and directly affects the aircraft's stability, controllability, and handling characteristics in flight.

Context Anchor

Seen when learning how wing location, swept wings, loading, and the aircraft’s affect stability and .