16 - Aircraft Weight & Balance Flashcards
What are the fore and aft limits of the center of gravity (CG) determined by?
They are specified by the manufacturer.
What angle of turn will double the weight of the aircraft?
60°.
How is the basic equipment of an aircraft defined?
It is that equipment required for every role of the aircraft for which it is operated, plus unusable fuel.
How are aircraft measurements aft of the datum expressed?
They are expressed as positive.
Which aircraft require a Weight and Centre of Gravity Schedule?
All aircraft above 2730 kg MTWA.
For aircraft below 5700 kg not used for commercial air transport, how often must they be reweighed?
As required by the CAA.
What does the variable load of an aircraft consist of?
The weight of the crew, their baggage, and equipment relevant to the role.
In aircraft weighing, what does the term “reaction” refer to?
The individual loads on each landing gear.
How frequently must an aircraft be reweighed?
After two years from manufacture and then at periods not exceeding five years.
What mass is used for an adult male (with baggage) in weight and balance calculations?
85 kg.
How are points forward of the datum point expressed in weight and balance calculations?
As negative.
Where can the fore and aft limits of the CG position be documented?
In the Flight Manual (or the documentation associated with the Certificate of Airworthiness).
What is done with previous weighing records?
They are kept with the aircraft records.
In what order is a Load Sheet compiled?
Basic Weight, Variable Load, Disposable Load, Fuel Load.
Who must sign a Weight and Centre of Gravity Schedule?
A Licensed aircraft engineer.
What effect does having a CG forward of the forward limit have on take-off run?
It will result in a longer take-off run.
How is the basic weight of an aircraft defined?
It is the weight of the aircraft, minimum equipment, unusable fuel, and oil.
After an aircraft is reweighed under JAR OPS, what should be done with the old Weight and Balance Report?
It should be destroyed after 3 months.
If the CG is calculated with a full fuel load, what additional calculation is necessary?
The CG must be recalculated with zero fuel to ensure it remains within limits.
What moment does cargo placed aft of the datum produce?
A positive moment.
Is a load sheet carried on the aircraft?
Yes, it is always carried on the aircraft.
Where can the datum point for measuring the CG be located on an aircraft?
It can be anywhere on the aircraft.
What effect does increasing the weight of an aircraft have on its glide range?
It has no effect on the glide range.
Who must sign a load sheet?
The Commander of the aircraft.
How is empty weight defined?
As the basic weight plus unusable fuel plus oil.
In what quantity must a Weight and Centre of Gravity Schedule be raised?
In duplicate, for the CAA and the operator.
Where would you find the information on the conditions for weighing the aircraft?
In the Maintenance Manual.
In aeronautical weighing, how are arms expressed relative to the reference datum?
Arms forward of the reference datum are negative, and arms aft are positive.
Where can details on recording weight and CG position be found?
In BCAR section A.
For how long must the old Weight and Centre of Gravity Schedule be retained if a new one is issued?
Six months.
On what principle is a weighing cell based?
Variation of resistance with strain.
When using elastic load cells for weighing, how are they installed?
As a single unit or a combination of units under the aircraft wheels.
When weighing an aircraft with load cells, what must be done to the aircraft?
The aircraft is jacked.
Where are the hydrostatic weighing units positioned when weighing an aircraft?
One on top of each jack.
How should the aircraft hydraulic system be when weighing?
It should be filled to the “maximum level” mark.
When weighing an aircraft by the weighbridge method, what is the aircraft’s condition?
It is resting on the wheels.
