Load and Trim Sheet: Legal Mass-Balance Record and Take-off Trim

031-05-02Pablo Asensio Martínez2026-04-011 min

Purpose

The Load and Trim Sheet is the legal record of the aircraft's mass and balance calculation for a specific flight. It serves two main purposes:

  1. Mass Check: Ensures MTOM, MLM, and MZFM limits are respected.
  2. Balance Check: Ensures the CG is within limits and determines the take-off trim setting.

Load and trim sheet

Sections of the Sheet

1. Header

Flight number, date, registration, crew configuration (e.g., 2/4), and airport codes.

2. Loading Distribution

Breakdown of passengers and cargo in each zone/hold.

  • Traffic Load: Sum of all passengers, bags, and cargo.

3. Mass Build-up

  • Dry Operating Mass (DOM)
  • + Traffic Load
  • = Zero Fuel Mass (ZFM) (Check against MZFM limit)
  • + Take-off Fuel
  • = Take-Off Mass (TOM) (Check against MTOM and Performance/Runway limits)
  • - Trip Fuel
  • = Estimated Landing Mass (ELM) (Check against MLM)

4. Trim Calculation (Balance)

Uses an index system (graphical "drop line" or numerical table) to calculate the final Index or %MAC.

  • Result: The Take-off CG position (usually in %MAC).
  • Action: Determines the THS (Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer) or Trim Wheel setting required for take-off (e.g., "4.5 Units UP" or "28%").

Commander's Signature

The commander (captain) must sign the load sheet, accepting responsibility that the loading is within limits.