What is the purpose of weight and balance calculations in aviation?

Weight and balance calculations play a crucial role in aviation as they are essential for determining the aircraft's center of gravity and overall weight configuration. By ensuring that the aircraft is within safe operational limits for flight, these calculations help maintain stability and control, which are vital for safe takeoff, flight, and landing.

When the aircraft is loaded properly, it enhances performance, prevents excessive stress on the airframe, and ensures that the aircraft responds predictably during maneuvers. An incorrect weight and balance configuration could result in difficulty controlling the aircraft, increasing the risk of accidents.

Other aspects of the operations, such as fuel consumption, structural integrity, and flight time, do not directly contribute to the essential safety and handling qualities of the aircraft. While those factors may be important in their own contexts, they do not address the core necessity of ensuring the aircraft operates safely and efficiently within its design limitations.