Weight And Balance Flashcards
If an aircraft is loaded so that the aft CG limit is exceeded, what undesirable flight characteristic is likely to result
The aircraft will be tail-heavy and may be unable to recover from a stall or spin
If all the records for an aircraft are missing, how would you determine the empty weight and empty weight CG
The aircraft would have to be weighed and new weight and balance records would have to be prepared
Define Tare Weight and describe how it is handled when weighing an aircraft
Tare Weight is the weight of anything on the scales that is not part of the aircraft. It must be subtracted from the scale weight reading to determine net weight of the airplane
If a piece of equipment such as a radio is added to an aircraft, how can you determine the effect on weight and balance without reweighing the aircraft?
If the weight and balance records are up to date, a new weight and CG location can be determined by computation
What is the purpose of weight and balance control?
For safety and efficiency in flight
What is the Datum of an aircraft and what is its function?
The datum is an imaginary vertical plane at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the airplane.
It is the reference point from which all horizontal measurements are taken
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.
It is obtained by multiplying the weight of an item by the distance of the item from the datum.
What are two ways of determining the arm of an item of equipment?
Measuring the distance between the item and the datum. Or using data supplied by the manufacturer
What should be done to obtain a positive moment aft of the datum
Add weight
What should be done to obtain a negative moment aft of the datum?
Remove weight
What should be done to obtain a positive moment forward of the datum?
Remove weight
What should be done to obtain a negative moment forward of the datum
Add weight
How does the category of an aircraft affect its loaded weight
Aircraft certified in more than one category, such as normal and aerobatic, may have two different maximum gross weights and different useful loads
As you prepare an aircraft for weighing, you determine that there is equipment aboard that is not permanently installed and recorded on the equipment list. What should you do with this equipment?
All equipment not permanently installed on the aircraft or included on the equipment list should be removed from the aircraft
When weighing an aircraft to determine the empty weight CG, what must you do with regard to the fixed equipment which is normally carried in the aircraft?
All operations equipment, whether it is required, optional, or special equipment, must be included in the aircrafts empty weight
Define the term “residual fuel”
Any fuel that remains in the tanks, lines, and engines, after the system has been drained
Define the term “residual oil”
Any oil that remains in the tanks, lines, and engines, after the system has been drained
How should you account for fuel when weighing an aircraft to determine weight and balance?
Either drain the fuel system until only unusable fuel remains, or fill the tanks full and subtract out the weight of usable fuel
What should be done in regards to aircraft fuel when performing a weight and balance when draining is not an option?
When weighing an aircraft with full fuel tanks, 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
Where are leveling instructions found and describe one method of leveling an aircraft?
Leveling instructions are found in the Type certificate data sheets. An aircraft may be leveled by using a spirit level at specified points
Plumb bob from a designated point along with a leveling scale or protractor
How should an aircraft be leveled for weighing during a weight and balance?
It should be leveled per the requirements of the aircraft specifications, or type certificate data sheet
Name one common method of leveling an aircraft during weight and balance
You may use a built in leveling scale and a plumb bob
Define the term “Mean Aerodynamic Chord”
Is the chord drawn through the center of the wing plan area
What are 2 common ways of representing the CG of an aircraft?
Inches from the datum
% of MAC
What is an aircraft loading graph?
A method for determining load distribution so that the aircraft remains within its operating CG range
What is ballast and why should you use it on an airplane?
Ballast is weight added to the airplane to bring its CG to the allowable or desirable range
Installation of several new radios in the nose of an aircraft caused the forward CG limit to be exceeded. How can you correct this problem without removing the new equipment?
Ballast may be installed in the tail to move the CG aft
How does the CG range of a helicopter compare to that of a fixed wing airplane?
Helicopters typically have a much smaller CG range
What is the difference between fixed wing and rotor wing aircraft CG ranges?
The CG location in a helicopter is much more critical than fixed wing aircraft.
CG range in helicopters will be less than three inches
What items concerning weight and balance can be found in the TCDS?
CG limits. Fuel capacity and location Datum. Oil weight and location Max weight. Engine horsepower Leveling means Seat locations Baggage capacity
What is meant “minimum fuel” and how is it calculated for weight and balance?
The amount of fuel needed for an extreme condition check, to see if the center of gravity will be out of limits in that situation.
Maximum except takeoff horsepower divided by 2
What is meant by the center of gravity range?
It is the distance in inches from the most forward acceptable center of gravity to the most rearward acceptable center of gravity
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 a weight and balance check if standard loading and seating arrangements are used
Where is the center of gravity located in relation to the aerodynamic center of lift for most airplanes?
In front of the center of lift
Is there a federal regulation that requires the regular reweighing of private aircraft?
No
Where must a record of the most recent empty weight and center of gravity be kept?
It should be maintained in the airplane flight manual or weight and balance records.
(IAW FAR 23.1583)
How should aircraft fuel be drained for weight and balance?
Level the aircraft per the TCDS and then drain the fuel system until empty, which will leave unusable fuel in the system
What are the placard requirements for ballast?
The ballast location must have a placard stating any limitations on contents, including weight, that are necessary under the loading requirements
What is recommended for marking permanent ballast?
In red paint, mark with “permanent ballast, do not remove”
Describe a plumb bob and it’s use
It is a heavy object in the shape of a cone that is used to determine a spot directly below the point the tool is hanging from
