How to calculate the pivot weight in air transportation?

The pivot weight, in simple terms, refers to the weight distribution of goods around a certain point in the aircraft's center of gravity when loaded onto the aircraft. This point is usually located below the wings and is a key reference point in aircraft design to maintain flight stability. If the cargo is improperly loaded, causing the pivot weight to exceed the limit or uneven distribution, it may seriously affect the aircraft's handling performance and even cause flight safety accidents.
So, why is pivot weight so important? Imagine if all the cargo were piled up at the rear of the plane, the front of the plane would be too light, which could cause the plane to look up severely during takeoff, affecting the pilot's line of sight, and even causing the plane to stall. On the contrary, if the cargo is concentrated in the front and the rear of the aircraft is too light, there may be a risk of the rear of the aircraft touching the ground during landing. Therefore, reasonable allocation of goods and ensuring that the weight of the pivot meets the standards are the basic requirements for ensuring flight safety.
Next, let's talk about how to calculate the weight of the pivot. Firstly, we need to know the maximum allowable pivot weight limit of the aircraft, which is usually provided by the aircraft manufacturer and varies depending on the aircraft model and configuration. Then, we need to understand the specific weight and size of the goods, as well as where they will be placed on the aircraft. These information can be obtained through shipping documents.
The process of calculating the weight of a pivot is similar to our usual calculation of lever balance. We can imagine an airplane as a lever, with each piece of cargo having a certain weight and a lever arm length from the pivot point. When calculating, we need to multiply the weight of each item by its corresponding lever arm length (i.e. the distance from the center of the item to the pivot point), and then add up all the products to obtain the total pivot weight value.
For example, if there is a cargo weighing 100 kilograms and it is 5 meters away from the pivot point, then the contribution of the cargo to the pivot is 100 kilograms x 5 meters=500 kilograms · meters. If there are multiple items of goods, it is necessary to calculate them one by one using this method, and then sum them up to obtain the total pivot weight.
It is worth noting that in addition to the weight of the goods themselves, other factors need to be considered, such as the weight of the container, the weight of packaging materials such as pallets and straps, which may affect the weight of the pivot. In addition, sometimes due to the special shape of the goods or the limitations of the loading location, it may be necessary to use professional loading software for simulation calculations to ensure accuracy.
Finally, after calculating the total pivot weight, we need to compare it with the maximum allowable value of the aircraft. If the limit is exceeded, it is necessary to readjust the distribution of goods or reduce certain goods until the requirements are met.
Calculating the pivot weight in air transportation is a comprehensive process involving physical principles, aircraft parameters, and cargo information. It requires operators to have professional knowledge and a meticulous attitude towards operation. Through accurate calculations and reasonable loading, we can ensure the safety and smoothness of every flight. As the ancients said, "If a worker wants to do a good job, they must first sharpen their tools." In modern air transportation, mastering the calculation of pivot weight is an essential "weapon" for every air transport practitioner.