You are preflighting a Cessna 172 loaded near maximum gross weight with 120 pounds of passenger luggage stacked loosely in the rear baggage compartment without tie-down restraints. Given the forward-loaded center of gravity and planned departure from a short runway, what is the best action to mitigate risks associated with the unsecured luggage?

To ensure a VFR sectional chart provides current and appropriate navigation data for a planned flight, which chart elements must the pilot verify?

FAA VFR sectional charts are reissued every 56 days. If a pilot's current sectional chart has an effective date of September 7, no later than what date must a new chart be obtained to ensure current navigation data?