DEFINITION OF TERMS Flashcards
The point about which an airplane would balance if it were possible to suspend it at that point
Center of gravity (CG)
The horizontal distance in inches from the reference datum line to the center of gravity of an item
Arm (Moment Arm)
The specified forward and aft points within which the CG must be located during flight
Center-of-Gravity Limits
The distance between the forward and aft CG limits indicated on pertinent airplane specifications
Center-of-Gravity Range
An imaginary vertical plane or line from which all measurements of arm are taken
Datum (Reference Datum)
The maximum weight the floor can
sustain per square inch/foot as provided by the manufacturer
Floor Load Limit
The average distance from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the wing
Mean Aerodynamic Chord (MAC)
The product of the weight of an item multiplied by its arm
Moment
A moment divided by a constant such as 100, 1,000, or 10,000
Moment Index (or Index)
A location in the airplane that is identified by a number designating its distance in inches from the datum
Station
Normally used with smaller aircraft
With this type of scale, aircraft are
typically lifted off the floor with jacks and
then lowered onto platform scales that are placed under each wheel
Platform Scales
Used in large aircrafts placed between
the jack and the jack pad of the aircraft
Strain-gauge capsules whose resistance changes proportionally to the amount of
load imposed on them
Load Cells
Permanently installed in an aircraft and must not be removed
Permanent Ballast
Typically installed to bring the CG within its range for a specific flight condition
Temporary Ballast