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Aircraft center of gravity (COG) is crucial for balance and control, with passenger weight distribution playing a significant role. Airlines assign seats based on weight calculations to ensure the COG stays within the manufacturer's parameters for takeoff and landing. Passenger weight distribution is also important during landing, as it affects the aircraft's characteristics and stability.
Have you ever wondered why small aircraft often require passengers to sit in specific seats? The weights of passengers are estimated before seats are assigned, particularly on small regional and island flights. Barring the occasional free-spirited passenger who may try to take an empty seat, everyone usually goes to their allocated seats, self-selected or distributed by the airline, and gets comfortable for the ride. Sometimes the flight crew will inform everyone to sit in their assigned seat, but why is that?
Some travelers may believe that this is because the airline has a chart showing who is sitting where, which would be helpful information in case of an emergency. This is not the case; however, especially on lighter aircraft, the distribution of human weight is factored in before the plane leaves the ground, and your seat assignment plays a role. It is done to ensure that the aircraft is balanced at all times and uneven weight distribution does not affect its stability during flight.
