Terms Flashcards
Station
Location on the airplane fuselage given in terms of distance from the reference datum.
Reference Datum
An imaginary vertical plane from which all horizontal distances are measured for balance purposes.
Datum may be located where the manufacturers choose.
Common locations are nose or engine firewall.
Arm
Horizontal distance, usually in inches, from the reference datum to the CG.
Arms ahead are negative and behind the datum are positive. If the datum is ahead of the nose, all arms are positive.
Moment
A force that causes an object or tries to cause an object to rotate.
Center of Gravity
The point at which an airplane would balance if suspended at that point. There are extreme aft/forward limits within which the plane must be operated.
Useable Fuel
The total fuel available for flight planning.
Seminole: 108 Gallons equates to 648 pounds of useable fuel.
Unusable Fuel
The fuel in the tanks that can’t be safely drained or used in flight.
Seminole: 1 gallon each tank 12 total pounds
Basic Empty Weight
Weight of the airframe, optional equipment, oil, and unusable fuel.
Payload
Weight of occupants, cargo, and baggage.
Useful Load
Difference between Takeoff Weight and Basic Empty Weight
Max Ramp Weight
Max weight approved for on the ground.
Max Takeoff Weight
Max weight approved for start of take off.
Max Landing Weight
Max weight approved for landing touchdown.
Max Zero Fuel Weight
Max weight minus usable fuel.
Standard Weights
AvGas - 6 lbs
Jet Fuel - 7 lbs
Oil - 7.5 lbs
Water 8.35 lbs
