Final answer:
Loss of an aircraft's weight and balance records necessitates a reassessment to ensure safe flight due to the importance of proper aircraft balance. Historical incidents and training practices underscore the significance of precise measurements and the effects of weightlessness.
Step-by-step explanation:
If an aircraft's weight and balance records become lost, the aircraft cannot legally fly until a new weight and balance evaluation is conducted. Proper balance is critical for maintaining control of the aircraft. Imbalance can lead to increased stress on the airframe, inefficient flight, or in severe cases, loss of control. The incident with the Canada airplane that ran out of fuel mid-flight due to a metric conversion error highlights the importance of accuracy in aviation measurements and the potential consequences of not closely monitoring specifications like fuel levels. Similarly, understanding weightlessness, as simulated in aircraft maneuvers and experienced on spaceships or in movies like Apollo 13, is crucial for astronaut training and safety in various conditions of flight.