Here's a step-by-step guide on how to calculate weight and balance before flight ¹:
*Step 1: Determine the Basic Empty Weight*
- Determine the Basic Empty Weight of the airplane (found in the Pilot Operating Handbook).

*Step 2: Determine the Basic Empty Weight Moment*
- Determine the basic empty weight moment of the airplane (found in the Pilot Operating Handbook).

*Step 3: Determine the Weight of the Pilot and Passenger*
- Determine the weight of the pilot and passenger.

*Step 4: Determine the Moment of the Pilot and Passenger*
- Determine the moment of the pilot and passenger (weight x arm = moment).

*Step 5: Determine the Weight of the Rear Passengers*
- Determine the weight of the rear passengers.

*Step 6: Determine the Moment of the Rear Passengers*
- Determine the moment of the rear passengers (weight x arm = moment).

*Step 7: Determine the Weight of the Baggage*
- Determine the weight of the baggage.

*Step 8: Determine the Moment of the Baggage*
- Determine the moment of the baggage (weight x arm = moment).

*Step 9: Determine the Weight of the Baggage*
- Determine the weight of the baggage (as in step 7).

*Step 10: Determine the Moment of the Baggage*
- Determine the moment of the baggage (as in step 8, using the new arm).

*Step 11: Add All Weights Together*
- Add all weights together to get the Zero Fuel Weight (Z.F.W.).

*Step 12: Add All Moments Together*
- Add all moments together.

*Step 13: Determine the Weight of the Ramp Fuel*
- Determine the weight of the ramp fuel.

*Step 14: Determine the Moment of the Ramp Fuel*
- Determine the moment of the ramp fuel (weight x arm = moment).

*Step 15: Determine the Ramp Weight*
- Determine the ramp weight (Z.F.W. + Ramp Fuel).

*Step 16: Determine the Ramp Moment*
- Determine the ramp moment (Z.F.W. moment + Ramp Fuel moment).

*Step 17: Subtract Taxi Fuel Used*
- Subtract taxi fuel used (~8 lbs).

*Step 18: Subtract Taxi Fuel Moment*
- Subtract taxi fuel moment (~384).

*Step 19: Add Z.F.W. and Ramp Weight Together*
- Add Z.F.W. and Ramp Weight together, then subtract Taxi Fuel to get the Gross Takeoff Weight (G.T.W.).

*Step 20: Add Z.F.W. Moment and Ramp Weight Moment Together*
- Add Z.F.W. moment and Ramp Weight moment together, then subtract Taxi Fuel moment.

*Step 21: Estimate Trip Fuel Weight*
- Estimate trip fuel weight.

*Step 22: Determine the Moment of the Trip Fuel*
- Determine the moment of the trip fuel (weight x arm = moment).

*Step 23: Subtract Trip Fuel Weight from G.T.W.*
- Subtract trip fuel weight from G.T.W. to get the Gross Landing Weight.

*Step 24: Subtract Trip Fuel Moment from G.T.W. Moment*
- Subtract trip fuel moment from G.T.W. moment.

*Step 25: Divide Block 12 by Block 11*
- Divide block 12 by block 11.

*Step 26: Divide Block 20 by Block 19*
- Divide block 20 by block 19.

*Step 27: Divide Block 24 by Block 23*
- Divide block 24 by block 23.

*Step 28: Determine Maneuvering Speed (V a)*
- Determine maneuvering speed (V a).