Weight and balance Flashcards
What is the datum and it’s purpose when making weight and balance computations?
Imaginary line in front of aircraft which the reference point from which all measurements are taken
what items concerning weight and balance could be found in the TCDS?
Datum, CG, unusable fuel and oil, baggage capacity, Seat locations, fuel capacity, leveling means, engine horsepower, weight maximum,
what is the purpose of weight and balance control?
For safety and efficiency in flight
when computing weight and balance what is the moment and how is it obtained?
Moment is a force which tends to rotate the aircraft about one of its axes.
Weight x Arm = Moment
How would a negative moment be obtained forward of the datum?
adding weight
what is the arm of an item and how is it obtained?
distance measured from datum. To obtain one can actually measure it or get it from weight and balance records.
What is tear weight and how is it handled when making weight and balance calculations?
Tare weight is equipment used for wing aircraft such as chocks and blocks jacks and chains. It must be subtracted from scale readings in order to obtain empty weight.
what is meant by minimum fuel and how is it calculated for and weight and balance?
Amount of fuel needed for extreme condition check, to see if the center of gravity will be out of limits in that situation. to find minimum fuel use calculation (METO divided by 2)
what is meant by residual fuel?
left over fuel in the lines, sump, and engine
What is meant by the center of gravity range?
The distance in inches from the miles forward acceptable center of gravity to the most rearward acceptable center of gravity
what is an aircraft loading graph?
Method for determining load distribution
How would you determine the empty weight and empty weight cg if all records are missing?
Re-weigh the aircraft and calculate new weight and balance records
What is the difference between fixed wing and rotor wing aircraft CG ranges?
CG of a helicopter is much more critical (forward, aft, port, starboard must be calculated)
when weighing an aircraft to determine the empty weight CG what must you do regarding the fix equipment which is normally carried in the aircraft?
It must be included in the Aircraft empty weight.
Why do some manufacturers specify an empty CG even though the aircraft is not operated at this empty weight
When the empty weight CG falls within the empty weight CG range it is unnecessary to perform weight and balance
Why must the aircraft category be considered when computing weight and balance?
some aircraft are certified under normal and utility category.
2 different useful load calculations
Where Center of gravity located in relation to the aerodynamic center of lift for most airplanes?
In front of the center of lift
What are two common ways of representing the CG of an aircraft?
Inches from the Dedham,
or percent of mean aerodynamic cord (MAC)
is there a federal regulation that requires the regular reweighing of private aircraft?
no
Where is must a record of the most recent empty weight and center of gravity be kept?
In the airplane flight manual or weight and balance records
FAR 23.1583
what should be done in regard to aircraft fuel when performing a weight and balance when draining is not an option?
The exact weight per gallon should be verified with a hydrometer. Then the weight of the usable fuel must be mathematically subtracted in the weight and balance calculations.
How should aircraft fuel be drained for weight and balance?
Level the aircraft burns a TCDS then drain fuel system until empty, which will leave on usable fuel in the system.
What is a ballast?
Which are placed in aircraft to obtain a desired CG location
if the forward CG limit of an aircraft is exceeded after installing several items in the engine compartment, how could the limit be returned to limits without removing or changing any of the newly installed equipment?
by adding ballast weight in the rear of the aircraft
what are placard requirements for ballast?
Ballast location must have placard stating any limitations on contents including weight that are necessary under the loading requirements.
What is recommended for marking of permanent ballast?
In red paint, mark with “Permanent Ballast, do not remove”
how should an aircraft be leveled for weighing during weight and balance?
Per requirements of aircraft specifications or TCDS
Name one commonly used method of leveling an aircraft during weight and balance?
Using a built in leveling scale and a plumb bob
describe a plumb bob and its use?
heavy object in the shape of a cone that os used to determine a spot directly beneath the point the tool is hanging from
how can you determine if a part will affect the CG without weighing the aircraft?
basic computations if weight and balance records are up to date.
