Airplane Performance and Weight and Balance

Question 1

Which maximum range factor decreases as weight decreases?

Answer 1

Airspeed. As weight decreases, the maximum range is achieved when the airplane is flown at the airspeed which maximizes the lift/drag ratio. As weight decreases, the L/DMAX airspeed decreases.

Question 2

What is the effect on IAS at higher density altitudes ?

Answer 2

At higher elevation airports the pilot should know that indicated airspeed will be unchanged, but groundspeed will be faster.

Question 3

Density altitude is the vertical distance above mean sea level in the standard atmosphere at which

Answer 3

a given atmospheric density is to be found.

Question 4

Describe how to find the standard temperature at a given pressure altitude.

Answer 4

Standard temp at SL of 15 minus two degrees for every 1000 ft. i.e. at 4000 ft = [15°C – (2°C × 4)] = 7°C

Question 5

When computing weight and balance, the basic empty weight includes the weight of the airframe, engine(s), and all installed optional equipment. Basic empty weight also includes

Answer 5

the unusable fuel, full operating fluids, and full oil.

Question 6

How to determine CG ?

Answer 6

Three-step process:

1. Multiply the individual weights by individual arms to get individual moments.
2. Compute total weight and total moments.
3. Divide total moments by total weight to get the CG.

Question 7

When computing weight and balance, the basic empty weight includes the weight of the airframe, engine(s), and all installed optional equipment. Basic empty weight also includes

Answer 7

the unusable fuel, full operating fluids, and full oil.