Chapter 10: Weight and Balance Flashcards
How many pounds does a gallon of gas weigh ?
6 lbs. (30 Gallons weighs more than one passenger)
During flight, what is the only weight change that occurs ?
Burning fuel.
What is an aircraft’s Center of Gravity (CG)
the point at which the aircraft would balance if suspended at that point.
What happens if Pilot places CG too far forward ?
A nose heavy condition arises.
What could cause a lateral imbalance ?
Difference in fuel quantity in each tank.
What could cause a longitudinal imbalance ?
Excessive luggage too far back in compartment.
Describe issue with excessive trim on the aircraft.
Reduces aerodynamic efficiency and reduces primary control travel distance.
Name 2 factors that can change an aircrafts weight and CG.
Loading and Fuel Management.
ARM ?
“Arm (moment arm)—the horizontal distance in inches from the reference datum line to the CG of an item. The algebraic sign is plus (+) if measured aft of the datum and minus (−) if measured forward of the datum.”
GAMA ?
“Basic empty weight (GAMA)—the standard empty weight plus the weight of optional and special equipment that have been installed.”
CG ?
“Center of gravity (CG)—the point about which an aircraft would balance if it were possible to suspend it at that point. It is the mass center of the aircraft or the theoretical point at which the entire weight of the aircraft is assumed to be concentrated. It may be expressed in inches from the reference datum or in percent of MAC. The CG is a three-dimensional point with longitudinal, lateral, and vertical positioning in the aircraft.”
CG Limits ?
“CG limits—the specified forward and aft points within which the CG must be located during flight. These limits are indicated on pertinent aircraft specifications.”
CG Range ?
“CG limits—the specified forward and aft points within which the CG must be located during flight. These limits are indicated on pertinent aircraft specifications.”
Datum ?
“Datum (reference datum)—an imaginary vertical plane or line from which all measurements of arm are taken. The datum is established by the manufacturer. Once the datum has been selected, all moment arms and the location of CG range are measured from this point.”
Floor Load limit.
“Floor load limit—the maximum weight the floor can sustain per square inch/foot as provided by the manufacturer.”
