What does "weight and balance" refer to in aviation?

In aviation, "weight and balance" specifically refers to the distribution of an aircraft's weight in relation to its center of gravity. This concept is crucial because the balance of an aircraft affects its flight characteristics, handling, stability, and safety. Each aircraft has specific weight and balance limits that must be adhered to in order to ensure that it performs optimally and can be controlled effectively during all phases of flight.

Understanding the distribution of weight is essential for pilots to prevent scenarios such as exceeding the maximum takeoff weight or having the center of gravity outside permissible limits, which can result in compromised performance or even dangerous flight conditions. The center of gravity is the point where the total weight of the aircraft is considered to act, and any deviation from the recommended balance can lead to issues like difficulty in controlling the aircraft, potential stalls, and increased fuel consumption.

The other choices, while related to weight, do not encompass the full importance and detail captured by "weight and balance." For instance, the total weight of the aircraft alone does not provide insight into its balance and performance. Similarly, just considering the weight during takeoff and landing or the weight of passengers ignores the comprehensive requirements for safe and effective flight operations.