How to use ForeFlight’s graphical weight and balance feature

ForeFlight features a dynamic, graphical weight and balance (W&B) tool that provides a visual representation of your aircraft’s cabin layout. This is included with a premium subscription and simplifies the input of passenger and payload details. Here’s a step-by-step guide covering how to set up and use this feature.

Step 1: Access ForeFlight Web

To get started, open your web browser and navigate to ForeFlight Web. This is the platform where you will configure the Graphical Weight & Balance profiles for your aircraft.

Step 2: Navigate to the Aircraft Tab

Once logged in, find and click on the Aircraft tab. This will bring up a list of your saved aircraft profiles. Choose the aircraft for which you want to configure the graphical W&B. Scroll down to find the Weight and Balance section. Here, you can either edit an existing W&B profile or create a new one.

Step 3: Configure the Graphical Weight & Balance

In the Weight and Balance section, you’ll now see an option to View and Modify an Interactive Aircraft Interior. Enable this option to start customizing your seating arrangement and other payload areas. Adjust the layout to match the actual configuration of your aircraft, inputting the exact seating positions, baggage areas, and other payload zones. You may need to rotate seats if your airplane has club seating or add an aisle if applicable.

Step 4: Save Changes

After making the necessary adjustments, select the “Enable on mobile” toggle if so desired and save your changes. This will update the aircraft profile with the new graphical layout.

Step 5: Add the Weight and Balance Profile to a Flight

Once your profile is configured on ForeFlight Web, you can seamlessly transition to using it on ForeFlight Mobile. Open the Flights view in the ForeFlight Mobile app. Scroll down to the “Payload” section and you’ll new see a new option to add a specific Weight and Balance profile to replace the more generic payload options. Tap the green “Weight and Balance” text then select the profile that was setup in the previous step. Here, you can update passenger and payload details directly by tapping on the corresponding seat or area in the interactive aircraft layout.

Step 6: Modify the load

Tap any of the stations to adjust the planned load for this flight. You can also manually type the specific weights in the list below the profile view. Tap the back arrow to return to the flight and notice the weight and balance profile is now attached to this flight. At anytime you can edit the loading or remove the weight and balance.

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Chris Clarke

Having a childhood dream of aviation, Chris first became an Aviation Explorer, motivating him to earn his private pilot's license as a teenager. During his four years at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, he earned his commercial multi-engine certificate with an instrument rating. While experimenting in seaplanes, gliders, and a variety of other personal aircraft, Chris developed a passion for general aviation and shares that passion as he develops aviation training apps and content for Sporty's Pilot Shop. He owns a vintage Cessna 172.

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