During a rearward weight and balance check, which useful load items should be computed at minimum weights?

The reasoning behind selecting items located aft of the rearward center of gravity (CG) limit to be computed at minimum weights during a rearward weight and balance check is based on aircraft stability and safety. When the CG is positioned too far aft, it can lead to a situation where the aircraft may become uncontrollable, particularly during flight maneuvers or landing.

By computing the useful load for items situated aft of the rearward CG limit at minimum weights, it allows for a more conservative approach to balancing the aircraft. Doing so helps ensure that even if those items are at their lightest, they do not contribute to an excessive rearward shift of the CG. This practice is essential for maintaining the safe flight envelope of the aircraft because it acknowledges the potential impact of those aft-mounted loads on overall stability.

In contrast, items located forward of the forward CG limit and those at the datum do not pose the same risk in terms of shifting the center of gravity to dangerous positions when calculating weight and balance for operations. While all useful load items are important to consider, the specific focus on those aft of the rearward CG limit recognizes their unique influence on aircraft handling characteristics.