In the 727 we would put ballast in the forward hold to keep the CG forward. Load the jet with gas and perform 20 takeoffs and landings and while refueling, maintenance would check the wheels and brakes and then off we go again.
Assumed temperature takeoffs were performed in order to replicate the acceleration of a loaded aircraft.
The best part is that we had no catering other than drinks and ice. We went into the terminal for a good meal between base checks and maintenance checks and refueling.