DD Form 365-4: Weight & Balance Clearance Form F – DD Form 365-4, officially known as the Weight and Balance Clearance Form F, is a critical document used by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) for military aircraft operations. This form ensures aircraft are safely loaded within weight and center of gravity (CG) limits before every flight.
Download the latest DD Form 365-4 PDF here: Download DD Form 365-4 (Official PDF)
What is DD Form 365-4?
DD Form 365-4 is the Weight and Balance Clearance Form F used primarily by the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, and other DoD aviation units. It serves as a worksheet to calculate and verify an aircraft’s gross weight, payload distribution, and center of gravity for safe flight operations.
The form exists in transport and tactical versions on the same sheet (front and back) and must be completed using data from DD Form 365-1 (Aircraft Weight and Balance Record) and Chart C or equivalent load adjusters.
Purpose of Weight and Balance Clearance Form F
The primary purpose of DD Form 365-4 is to:
- Record step-by-step aircraft loading calculations
- Verify compliance with takeoff, landing, and zero-fuel weight limits
- Calculate and confirm center of gravity (CG) positions
- Provide a formal clearance record signed by the Weight and Balance Authority and Pilot
- Ensure flight safety by preventing overload or out-of-balance conditions
This form is mandatory for flights where no pre-approved standardized loading configuration exists.
Who Uses DD Form 365-4?
DD Form 365-4 is used by:
- U.S. Air Force personnel
- Army Aviation units
- Navy and Marine Corps aviation
- Weight and Balance Technicians / Supervisors
- Pilots and aircrew preparing for transport or tactical missions
It targets military aviation professionals across the United States responsible for aircraft safety and mission readiness.
Key Sections of DD Form 365-4
The form includes detailed fields for:
- Aircraft identification (Type, Serial No., Date, Mission, From/To, Pilot)
- Basic Aircraft weight and moment (from Chart C)
- Crew, baggage, emergency equipment, and extra equipment
- Operating Weight calculation
- Fuel and water injection quantities
- Distribution of allowable load (passengers, cargo by compartment)
- Takeoff and Landing conditions with CG calculations
- Limitations table (Allowable Gross Weights and Permissible CG)
- Signatures: Computed By, Weight and Balance Authority, Pilot
How to Fill Out DD Form 365-4: Step-by-Step Guide?
Follow these general steps based on official technical manuals (TM 55-1500-342-23, TO 1-1B-40):
- Enter aircraft details at the top (Date, Mission, Type, Serial No., etc.)
- Reference 1: Basic Aircraft weight/moment from latest Chart C entry
- Add crew, baggage, equipment (References 3-8)
- Calculate Operating Weight (Reference 9)
- Add Takeoff Fuel and other fluids
- Enter payload distribution by compartment
- Compute Total Aircraft Weight and CG positions
- Compare against Limitations table for Takeoff, Landing, and Zero Fuel
- Obtain required signatures if within limits
Always reference the specific aircraft operator’s manual (-10), Chart E, or approved load adjuster for accurate moments and limits.
Related Forms and Documents
- Official DoD Forms Management
- DD Form 365-1: Aircraft Weight and Balance Record
- DD Form 365-3: Chart C – Basic Weight and Balance Record
- Technical Orders: TO 1-1B-40, NAVAIR 01-1B-40, TM 55-1500-342-23
Importance of Accurate Weight and Balance in Military Aviation
Proper use of DD Form 365-4 prevents catastrophic accidents caused by incorrect loading. It ensures aircraft performance, stability, and safety margins during all phases of flight. Regular reviews of Forms F (every 90 days in some commands) keep data current.
Download DD Form 365-4
Official Latest Version (Edition Date: 10/16/2023):
This fillable form is provided directly from the Executive Services Directorate (ESD) at the Washington Headquarters Services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between Transport and Tactical versions?
The form has Transport on one side and Tactical on the reverse to accommodate different loading configurations for each mission type.
Is DD Form 365-4 still current?
Yes. The current edition date is October 16, 2023, and it remains the active form for DoD aircraft weight and balance clearance.
Who must sign DD Form 365-4?
The Weight and Balance Authority (or qualified technician) and the Pilot in Command must sign before flight.