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.