What is the PIC's responsibility regarding weight and balance after passenger boarding?

• A. Ignore weight and balance; assume it is within limits.
• B. Confirm the final loaded weight and CG are within limits; adjust ballast or reallocate baggage if necessary before pushback.
• C. Adjust ballast after landing.
• D. Rely on manufacturer's recommended seating arrangement even if CG is out.

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that the PIC must verify that the airplane’s final loaded weight and center of gravity are within approved limits after boarding. Once passengers and baggage have been loaded, the aircraft configuration can shift the CG enough to move it outside acceptable bounds. Before pushback, you need to confirm the final loaded weight and CG and take corrective action if needed—such as adding ballast or redistributing baggage or other load—so the airplane will still meet weight-and-balance limits for takeoff.

Why this matters: the center of gravity affects controllability, stability, and stall characteristics, and improper balance can make rotation and trimmed flight difficult or unsafe. If the CG is out of limits, or if the aircraft weighs more than the maximum takeoff weight, performance guarantees and handling can be compromised, so you must adjust the load until everything is within spec before taxiing or departing.

Why the other options don’t fit: ignoring weight and balance is unsafe and not allowed, since you must confirm the final configuration. Adjusting ballast after landing doesn’t address takeoff safety and balance requirements. Relying on a fixed seating arrangement if the CG is out of limits ignores the actual loaded condition and could leave the airplane unbalanced at takeoff.