Why must the PIC complete a load manifest? When must it be completed? What are the required items?

• A. Load manifests are not required for part 135 operations.
• B. The load manifest must include only the number of passengers and destination.
• C. The load manifest must include registration and crew assignments only.
• D. The load manifest must include total passengers, total weight, max takeoff weight, CG limits, CG of loaded aircraft, registration, origin, destination, and crew identifications.

Answer: (D)

Completing a load manifest is about knowing exactly what is on board and where the airplane’s weight is placed, so the aircraft stays within safe weight and balance limits. The PIC must have an accurate manifest before departure, and it should reflect the actual loading. If loading changes (more passengers, bags, cargo, or fuel), the manifest must be updated accordingly and still be available for inspection.

The manifest should include all the elements that let you verify compliance with limits and identify who and where the aircraft is going. That means listing the total number of passengers and the total weight, the maximum takeoff weight, the center of gravity limits, the center of gravity of the loaded aircraft, the aircraft registration, and the flight’s origin and destination, along with crew identifications. These items ensure you can confirm the aircraft remains within its performance and safety envelopes and that the right people and aircraft are accounted for on the flight.