Weight and Balance Flashcards
What should be done concerning fuel when performing weight and balance checks?
Drain the fuel system until only unusable fuel remains, or fill the tanks full and subtract out the weight of the usable fuel
What is the purpose of aircraft weight and balance?
Safety and maximum performance
How would you determine the empty weight center of gravity of an aircraft if all weight and balance records are missing?
The aircraft must be weighed and a new weight and balance record must be computed and recorded
What is a datum?
It is an imaginary vertical plane from which all horizontal measurements are taken
How is the arm of an item of equipment obtained when computing aircraft weight and balance?
Measuring the distance between the item and the datum
How is the moment of an item of equipment obtained when computing aircraft weight and balance?
Weight x arm = moment
What is a tare weight and how is it handled when making weight and balance calculations?
It is the weight of all extra items, jacks, blocks, chocks on the weighing process scale platforms and is subtracted from the final results of the weighing
What is an aircraft loading graph?
A method of determining load distribution to keep the weight and operating center of gravity within approved range
Why is accurate up-to-date empty weight center of gravity data so important?
Because all other weight and balance calculations are based on empty weight center of gravity
Why is aircraft category a factor when computing weight and balance?
Aircraft certificated in both normal and utility categories have two useful loads due to different gross weights
How is a positive moment obtained aft of the datum?
Add weight (+weight and +arm = +moment)
How is a negative moment obtainedsft of the datum?
Remove weight (-weight and +arm = -moment)
How is a positive moment obtained forward of the datum?
Remove weight (-weight and -arm = +moment)
How is a negative moment obtained forward of the datum?
Add weight (+weight and -arm = -moment)
What is meant by the term residual fuel?
It is the fuel that remains in tanks, lines and engines after draining
What is meant by the term residual oil?
It is the oil that remains in tanks, lines and engines after draining
List items found in the TCDS that is of concern to aircraft weight and balance
Center of gravity ranges, max weight, leveling means, number of seats, baggage capacity, fuel, datum, engine HP, oil capacity, amount of fuel and amount of oil
What leveling methods are used in weight and balance procedures?
Use spirit level at the manufacturers designated leveling points or use of a built-in leveling scale (or protractor) and plumb bob
Describe a plumb bob and its use
A sharp pointed cylinder or cone shaped heavy metal object, used to determine a spot that is 90* to the point the plumb bob is hanging from
How can you determine the effect of a new item of equipment on the aircraft’s weight and balance without weighing the aircraft?
The effect can be determined by basic computations if the weight and balance records are up to date
What is a ballast and why is it used in aircraft?
A ballast is any weight added or removed to obtain a desired center of gravity
What is the recommended markings for permanent ballasts?
“PERMANENT BALLAST DO NOT REMOVE” in red paint
The forward center of gravity limit of an aircraft is exceeded by installation of several items of equipment in the engine compartment. How can this be corrected without removing or changing any of the newly installed equipment?
Use ballast in an aircraft to obtain the desired CG balance
What is the difference between fixed-wing and helicopter CG range?
Helicopters have a more restricted CG range
