When establishing weight limits and center of gravity for an airplane under Part 23, who is responsible for determining those limits?

The responsibility for establishing weight limits and center of gravity (CG) for an airplane under Part 23 falls to the applicant, which typically refers to the aircraft manufacturer or entity seeking type certification. They must conduct detailed calculations and analyses during the design and development phases to ensure that the aircraft's weight and balance will allow for safe operation under various loading conditions. This process includes evaluating how different configurations affect the CG, which is crucial for maintaining aircraft stability and control.

The guidelines provided by the FAA serve as regulations to ensure compliance, but it is ultimately the applicant's responsibility to gather the necessary data and perform the necessary assessments. By establishing these limits, they contribute to the safe and efficient operation of the aircraft, complying with the safety standards set forth in Part 23.