My flight just announced that it will be pretty empty, and that it is important for everyone to sit in their assigned seats to keep the weight balanced. What would happen if everyone, on a full flight, moved to one side of the plane?

Question

My flight just announced that it will be pretty empty, and that it is important for everyone to sit in their assigned seats to keep the weight balanced. What would happen if everyone, on a full flight, moved to one side of the plane?

In: 8623

Answer 1

I had a flying instructor reach into the back of a Cessna 150 (from the front seat) to grab a soft drink that was back there.

She did it on purpose to demonstrate to me how much weight and balance matters. The nose pitched up sharply.

Answer 2

This is what could happen if all the cargo mass moves to the extreme aft of the aircraft outside of the C.G. (Center of gravity) limits.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fpxm0D46iQ

This 747 was moving heavy equipment and it is thought that the mooring lines that secured the cargo failed and everything shifted aft on takeoff.