What must a pilot-in-command monitor regarding the aircraft?

Monitoring the aircraft's weight and balance is a crucial responsibility of the pilot-in-command because it directly impacts the aircraft's performance, safety, and handling characteristics. Each aircraft has specific weight limits and balance configurations that must be adhered to for safe flight operations. An improper weight and balance can lead to issues such as reduced control effectiveness, increased stall speed, and difficulty in managing trim and control surfaces.

Weight and balance calculations involve ensuring that the total weight of the aircraft does not exceed the maximum allowable weight and that the center of gravity is within specified limits throughout the flight. This includes accounting for passengers, cargo, and fuel. If the weight is too far forward or backward, it can affect the aircraft's stability and maneuverability during takeoff, flight, and landing phases.

While monitoring fuel consumption, engine temperature, and passenger count are also important aspects of flight operations, they do not carry the same immediate implications for safety and control as weight and balance. Fuel consumption and engine temperature relate more to performance and maintenance, while passenger count is primarily a logistical consideration. In contrast, weight and balance are fundamental to the aircraft's structural integrity and flying characteristics.