Weight and Balance

Question 1

Standard Empty Weight

Answer 1

Weight of aircraft with standard equipment and unusable fuel and oil

Question 2

Basic Empty Weight

Answer 2

Weight of aircraft with optional equipment and full oil and coolant, unusable fuel

Question 3

Maximum Gross Weight

Answer 3

Maximum permissible weight of the the aircraft

Question 4

Maximum Gross Takeoff Weight (MGTOW)

Answer 4

Maximum permissible takeoff weight

Question 5

Useful Load

Answer 5

Difference between MGTOW and Basic Empty Weight

Question 6

Payload

Answer 6

Weight available for passengers, baggage, and cargo

Question 7

Maximum Ramp Weight

Answer 7

Maximum permissible weight for taxiing

Question 8

Datum Line

Answer 8

• Arbitrary Vertical Line which acts as a reference point for arms
• Often firewall or propeller

Question 9

Arm

Answer 9

Distance from Datum to C of G of particular object

Question 10

Moment

Answer 10

• Weight of an object multiplied by the arm of the object
• Torque force used to calculate overall C of G

Question 11

Standard Summer Weights

Answer 11

Male - 206 lbs
Female - 172 lbs
Children (2-11) - 75 lbs
Infants - 30 lbs

Question 12

Standard Winter Weights

Answer 12

Male - 212 lbs
Female - 178 lbs
Children - 75 lbs
Infants - 30 lbs

Question 13

Standard Weight Notes

Answer 13

• Weights include carry on baggage, subtract 13 lbs if no carry on baggage
• Actual weights must be used if known to exceed standard weights
• When using actual weights, add 13 lbs for carry-on baggage, 8 lbs for summer clothing, 14 lbs for winter clothing
• Actual weights should always be used on small aircraft due to small C of G range

Question 14

Moving Weight

Answer 14

• If weight is over MGTOW, weight must be removed
• If weight is out of C of G limits, it must be redistributed

Question 15

Moving Weight Formula

Answer 15

Weight of Item to move / Weight of Loaded Aircraft

Distance C of G must move / Distance between Arms