What does weight and balance in aviation ensure?

Weight and balance in aviation primarily ensure the safe distribution of weight within the aircraft. This aspect is critical because it affects the aircraft's center of gravity, which influences stability, control, and overall performance during flight. An aircraft that is not appropriately balanced can become difficult to control and may lead to unsafe flying conditions.

When the weight is unevenly distributed, it can affect how the aircraft responds to controls, potentially resulting in issues like uncommanded yaw, pitch, or roll. Thus, maintaining the correct balance helps ensure that the aircraft behaves predictably and safely, which is vital for both crew and passenger safety.

Optimizing weight distribution also contributes indirectly to performance factors like fuel efficiency and load capacity, but the primary role of weight and balance is to establish a safe operational environment for flight.