Why is there such a small weight limit on the plane you board? Surely nothing passengers can bring compares to the tons the plane weighs itself.

Question

Why is there such a small weight limit on the plane you board? Surely nothing passengers can bring compares to the tons the plane weighs itself.

In: 0

Answer 1

Hold a 30 kg weight close to your body. Then, hold the same weight at arm’s length. Then, grab a 15 foot pole an lift the same weight using the only the very end of the handle. How easy is each one?

The plane is like the pole: the center of gravity is balanced wherever it is. Engineers give a range where the pilots can fly the plane with respect to the center of gravity. If the center of gravity is too far forward, the plane cannot rise. If it is too far aft, it cannot descend or level off. If it is more than the lift, it cannot take off.

Think of each passenger like a kilogram. 1 Kg isn’t that heavy. Neither is 2. But 30 is very noticeable.