What is the purpose of a weight and balance check?

The purpose of a weight and balance check is to ensure that the aircraft is within its safe weight limits for flight. This is critical for several reasons. First, an aircraft that is overweight can experience performance issues, such as reduced climb rate, difficulty in maintaining altitude, and potential structural stress. It's essential to verify that the total weight, including passengers, cargo, and fuel, does not exceed the aircraft's maximum allowable weight.

Additionally, weight distribution is equally important since it affects the aircraft's center of gravity (CG). If the CG is out of limits, it can lead to handling problems and increase the risk of an in-flight incident. Conducting a weight and balance check ensures that the aircraft is not only within the safe weight limits but also that it is properly loaded, contributing to the overall safety and efficiency of the flight operation.

The other options focus on different aspects of aircraft operations. Fuel efficiency relates to how effectively the aircraft uses fuel, while payload capacity involves how much weight the aircraft can carry, and structural integrity pertains to the physical strength of the aircraft materials and design. These are important considerations in aviation but do not directly address the primary purpose of a weight and balance check.