Introduction Weight and Balance  Control Chapter 1 There are many factors in the safe and efficient operation of  aircraft  including proper weight and balance control. The  weight and balance system commonly employed among  aircraft consists of three equally important elements: the  weighing of the aircraft  the maintaining of the weight and  balance records  and the proper loading of the aircraft. An  inaccuracy in any one of these elements defeats the purpose  of the system. The final loading calculations are meaningless  if either the aircraft has been improperly weighed or the  records contain an error. Improper loading decreases the effic ency and performance of  an aircraft from the standpoint of altitude  maneuverability   rate of climb  and speed. It may even be the cause of failure  to complete the flight or  for that matter  failure to start the  flight. Because of abnormal stresses placed upon the structure  of an improperly loaded aircraft  or because of changed fly ng  characteristics of the aircraft  loss of life and destruction of  valuable equipment may result.