What is the purpose of seat ballast in a two-place glider when solo in the front seat?

• A. To meet weight limits and adjust center of gravity as required.
• B. To improve aerodynamics of the seat.
• C. To increase lift.
• D. To reduce drag.

Answer: (A)

Ballast in a two-place glider is there to keep weight and balance within the aircraft’s approved limits when the occupancy changes. When you’re solo in the front seat, the rear seat is empty, which shifts the center of gravity forward and can move outside the allowed range. Adding ballast, typically placed to influence the rear of the aircraft, brings the overall weight back into the certified range and moves the center of gravity to the proper position. This ensures stable, predictable handling and keeps the structure within its design limits. Ballast doesn’t change aerodynamics, lift, or drag; its purpose is weight and balance, not performance.