How does the weight and balance change as a result of burning fuel?

How does the weight and balance change as a result of burning fuel?

• A. The weight would decrease and CG would move forward
• B. The weight would decrease and CG would move aft
• C. The weight would increase and CG would move forward
• D. The weight would increase and CG would move aft

Answer: (A)

Fuel burn makes the airplane lighter, so the weight decreases. The center of gravity is the balance point of the remaining mass, so as fuel is burned from tanks that sit behind the forward CG, the rear part of the airplane becomes lighter and the balance shifts toward the nose. In this typical arrangement, removing aft mass moves the CG forward, hence the CG moves forward as fuel is burned. The weight cannot increase during burning, and the direction the CG shifts depends on where the fuel is located; in this case, the forward shift is the expected outcome.

Fuel burn makes the airplane lighter, so the weight decreases. The center of gravity is the balance point of the remaining mass, so as fuel is burned from tanks that sit behind the forward CG, the rear part of the airplane becomes lighter and the balance shifts toward the nose. In this typical arrangement, removing aft mass moves the CG forward, hence the CG moves forward as fuel is burned. The weight cannot increase during burning, and the direction the CG shifts depends on where the fuel is located; in this case, the forward shift is the expected outcome.