What should you do if there is a discrepancy between published and actual aircraft weight data?

• A. Proceed with published figures
• B. Recalculate weight and balance with actual figures, adjust the plan, and inform dispatch before departure
• C. Ignore the discrepancy
• D. Notify passengers

Answer: (B)

When there’s a mismatch between published weight data and what is actually loaded, you must recalculate the weight and balance using the actual figures, adjust the loading plan accordingly, and inform dispatch before departure. This keeps takeoff weight and the center of gravity within approved limits, preserving aircraft performance and controllability.

The published numbers are just a baseline. If the real load (passengers, baggage, cargo, fuel) differs, the weight and balance change, which can shift the CG outside acceptable ranges or push you beyond maximum takeoff weight. Recomputing lets you decide whether to redistribute load, trim payload, or adjust fuel to bring everything back into safe, permissible limits, with dispatch aware of and approving any changes.

Proceeding with the published figures would ignore the real loading and could create an unsafe situation. Ignoring the discrepancy is unsafe and non-compliant. Notifying passengers has no bearing on weight and balance decisions.