Why hang weights from the nacelle?

[Check Airman]

I've noticed that often, when engines are not present, weights are attached to the nacelles as in this (http://www.airliners.net/photo/All-Nippon-Airways/Boeing-787-881-Dreamliner/1920202/M/) picture. Might I ask why? Is it just to keep the CG within limits? I have seen photos where no weights are present. In this (http://www.airliners.net/photo/Nova-Air/Boeing-737-247-Adv/1895315/M/) case, is the load placed inside the fuselage?

[Cough]

I believe it's to stop the aircraft tipping on it's tail. The 737-200 you showed has engines underneath the wing, not out front, so less critical when they are removed.

[Mad (Flt) Scientist]

It can be to control the cg, as stated. It can also be to maintain the overall loading on the structure - an airframe will distort when a major weight, such as an engine, is removed. (I've seen rear engined types with engine ballast weights installed, and they certainly weren't at risk of tipping over nose-first without them ....)

[Check Airman]

thanks for the information