DA20 Loading Overview
A DA20 weight and balance review supports disciplined flight planning. The aircraft is small, responsive, and sensitive to loading changes. A few pounds moved aft can change the center of gravity. A few gallons burned can also shift the result. This calculator helps organize those numbers before the final manual check.
Main Balance Formula
Weight is the total load carried by the aircraft. Balance describes where that load acts. Each station has an arm. The arm is the distance from the aircraft datum. Multiplying weight by arm gives moment. Total moment divided by total weight gives center of gravity. The result is normally shown in inches from datum.
Stations And Limits
For a DA20, common loading items include empty aircraft, pilot, passenger, fuel, baggage, oil, and optional equipment. The tool lets you edit every arm and limit. That matters because aircraft manuals, serial ranges, modifications, and equipment lists may differ. Use the values from the current weight and balance record for the specific tail number.
Fuel Burn Checks
The ramp condition includes all items before taxi. Taxi fuel is then subtracted to estimate takeoff weight and moment. Trip fuel is subtracted from takeoff values to estimate landing condition. The fuel arm is used for each fuel subtraction. This gives a practical view of both ends of the flight.
Pass Or Adjust
A good result must pass two tests. First, weight should not exceed the chosen ramp, takeoff, or landing limit. Second, center of gravity should remain between the forward and aft limits. If either test fails, change the load plan. Reduce baggage, adjust occupants, reduce fuel only when legal reserves remain, or select another aircraft.
Planning Use
This page is a planning aid. It is not an approved flight document. Always compare the output with the official flight manual, current weighing report, placards, and school or operator rules. Rounding also matters. Conservative numbers are better than optimistic numbers. Save the CSV or PDF report for discussion, dispatch review, or training records. Use it to spot trends and teach loading discipline. Treat final authority as the aircraft document in the cockpit. Pilots compare reports and see why safe takeoff loading still needs a landing check after fuel burn.