Flying a helicopter isn’t exactly like driving a car, you can’t just load it up to the max and set off.

The blades of light helicopters have to spin around and generate enough lift to get you and your family, bags, fuel, as well as the helicopter itself into the air and thrust you forward at speed.

Naturally a limit is placed on the maximum weight, but for control reasons you must ensure the centre of gravity is also within limits.

You can use this PDF to learn more about the general principles of mass and balance and learn how to calculate centre of gravity and take off weight.