What is the purpose of a loading diagram?

The purpose of a loading diagram is to show how cargo should be distributed for balance. This is essential in aviation because the way cargo is loaded can significantly impact the aircraft's center of gravity, which in turn affects flight stability and safety. Proper distribution ensures that the aircraft can maintain optimal performance during takeoff, flight, and landing.

While calculating the total weight of cargo is important for overall loading limits, it is not the primary function of a loading diagram. Similarly, while listing all items being transported and displaying the aircraft's fuel capacity are useful, they are not the fundamental roles of the loading diagram. The loading diagram specifically focuses on ensuring that the cargo is distributed in a way that maintains the aircraft's balance and adheres to weight distribution guidelines.