PHAK 10: Weight and Balance Flashcards
Introduction
Why is compliance with weight and balance limits critical?
To ensure flight safety and avoid compromising the structural integrity of the aircraft.
Introduction
What are the effects of operating above the maximum weight limitation?
It compromises the structural integrity and adversely affects performance.
Introduction
What happens if the center of gravity (CG) is outside the approved limits?
It results in control difficulty.
Weight Control: Effects of Weight
What is weight in the context of flight?
The force with which gravity attracts a body toward the center of the Earth, a product of mass and acceleration.
Weight Control: Effects of Weight
Why is weight significant in aircraft construction and operation?
It affects the aircraft’s performance and safety, requiring respect from all pilots.
Weight Control: Effects of Weight
What force counteracts weight to sustain an aircraft in flight?
Lift.
Weight Control: Effects of Weight
What factors influence the amount of lift produced by an airfoil?
Airfoil design, angle of attack (AOA), airspeed, and air density.
Weight Control: Effects of Weight
What happens if an aircraft is loaded beyond the manufacturer’s recommended weight?
The lift generated may be insufficient, making the aircraft incapable of flight.
Weight Control: Effects of Weight
Why do manufacturers prioritize minimizing aircraft weight?
To enhance performance while maintaining strength and safety.
Weight Control: Effects of Weight
What are three potential consequences of overloading an aircraft?
- Inability to leave the ground
- Poor flight characteristics if airborne
- Degraded takeoff and overall performance
Weight Control: Effects of Weight
What are eleven key performance deficiencies of an overloaded aircraft?
- Higher takeoff speed
- Longer takeoff run
- Reduced rate/angle of climb
- Lower maximum altitude
- Shorter range
- Reduced cruising speed
- Reduced maneuverability
- Higher stalling speed
- Higher approach/landing speed
- Longer landing roll
- Excessive weight on the nose or tail wheel
Weight Control: Effects of Weight
When do poor performance indications due to overloading typically appear?
During takeoff.
Weight Control: Effects of Weight
Why should preflight planning include performance chart checks?
To assess if the aircraft’s weight could lead to hazardous flight operations.
Weight Control: Effects of Weight
Why is excessive weight especially dangerous in emergency situations?
It reduces safety margins, making it difficult to handle engine failure or airframe ice formation during critical phases like takeoff.
Weight Control: Weight Changes
How can the operating weight of an aircraft be altered?
By adjusting the fuel load or changing fixed equipment.
Weight Control: Weight Changes
How much does gasoline weigh per gallon?
6 pounds per gallon.
Weight Control: Weight Changes
What should pilots consider when reducing fuel weight?
The decrease in range and its impact on flight planning.
Weight Control: Weight Changes
What is the primary weight change during flight?
Fuel burn, which lightens the aircraft and improves performance.
Weight Control: Weight Changes
How do changes in fixed equipment affect an aircraft?
Adding radios, instruments, or making repairs/modifications increases the aircraft’s weight.
Balance, Stability, and Center of Gravity
What is the definition of balance in aviation?
Balance refers to the location of the CG (center of gravity) of an aircraft, which is critical for stability and safety.
Balance, Stability, and Center of Gravity
What is the CG (center of gravity)?
The point at which the aircraft would balance if suspended.
Balance, Stability, and Center of Gravity
Why is the fore-and-aft CG location important?
It determines if the aircraft is nose-heavy (forward CG) or tail-heavy (aft CG), both of which can affect control and stability.
Balance, Stability, and Center of Gravity
What happens if the CG is too far forward?
A nose-heavy condition, which may require excessive control pressure to maintain stability.
Balance, Stability, and Center of Gravity
What happens if the CG is too far aft?
A tail-heavy condition, which can make the aircraft unstable and potentially uncontrollable.
Balance, Stability, and Center of Gravity
How does lateral unbalance occur in an airplane?
By uneven fuel distribution or weight imbalance left-to-right across the fuselage.
Balance, Stability, and Center of Gravity
What is the effect of lateral unbalance on flight?
It requires trim adjustments or constant control pressure, increasing drag and reducing efficiency.
Balance, Stability, and Center of Gravity
How does flying out of balance affect the pilot and flight?
It increases pilot fatigue, decreases aerodynamic efficiency, and reduces primary control travel in the trimmed direction.
Balance, Stability, and Center of Gravity
What does the term “balance” typically refer to in this context?
The longitudinal location of the CG.
Balance, Stability, and Center of Gravity: Effects of Adverse Balance
How do adverse balance conditions affect flight characteristics?
They affect flight in a manner similar to excess weight, impacting stability, control, and performance.
Balance, Stability, and Center of Gravity: Effects of Adverse Balance
What happens when the aircraft operates above the maximum weight limit?
It compromises the structural integrity of the aircraft and adversely affects performance.
Balance, Stability, and Center of Gravity: Effects of Adverse Balance
What is the impact of improper balance on stability and control?
It decreases stability and makes the aircraft harder to control.
Balance, Stability, and Center of Gravity: Stability
What are three effects of loading in a nose-heavy condition?
- Difficulty controlling and raising the nose, especially during takeoff and landing.
- Increased stalling speeds.
- Higher control forces.
Balance, Stability, and Center of Gravity: Stability
Who establishes the limits for the center of gravity (CG) location?
The manufacturer, and the limits are published in the Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS), AFM, or POH.
Balance, Stability, and Center of Gravity: Stability
Why is the forward CG limit critical during landing? (5)
Exceeding it can cause:
- Excessive loads on the nosewheel.
- A tendency to nose over on tailwheel airplanes.
- Decreased performance.
- Higher stalling speeds.
- Increased control forces.
Balance, Stability, and Center of Gravity: Stability
What must be done if the CG is outside allowable limits?
Relocate some items before flight to bring the CG within limits.
Balance, Stability, and Center of Gravity: Control
What are the effects of an aft CG location? (3)
- Decreased static and dynamic longitudinal stability.
- Extreme control difficulty and violent stall characteristics.
- Very light control forces, increasing the risk of overstressing the aircraft.
Balance, Stability, and Center of Gravity: Control
What is the aft CG limit?
- The most rearward position of the CG for safe maneuvering or operation.
Balance, Stability, and Center of Gravity: Control
Why do CG limits vary in some aircraft?
Limits may change with gross weight or for specific operations, such as acrobatic flight, gear retraction, or installation of special loads.