Weight and Balance Flashcards
What is the purpose of aircraft weight and balance control?
The primary purpose is safety
How is the moment of an item of equipment obtained when computing aircraft weight and balance?
Weight x Arm.
The forward CG limit of an aircraft is exceeded by installation of several items of equipment in the engine compartment.
How can this problem be corrected or compensated for without removing or changing any of the newly installed equipment?
Install a ballast in the aft end of the plane.
How is the arm of an item of equipment obtained when computing aircraft weight and balance?
The arm of each item of equipment is usually included in the specifications for the aircraft; or may be obtained by actual measurement.
What is the datum of an aircraft and what is its function?
The datum of an aircraft is an imaginary vertical plane from which all horizontal measurements are taken for balance purposes.
What is tare weight and how is it handled when making weight and balance calculations?
Tare weight is the weight of all extra items, such as jacks, blocks, and chocks on the weighting scale platform and is subtracted from total weight.
How would you determine the empty weight and empty weight CG of an aircraft if all the weight and balance records are missing?
The aircraft must be reweighed and a new set of weight and balance records must be computed and compiled.
How can you determine the effect of a new item of equipment on the aircraft 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 should be done concerning fuel when weighing an aircraft for weight and balance purposes?
With the aircraft in a level attitude, drain the fuel system until empty or
Fill the fuel tanks and subtract usable fuel.
How is a positive moment obtained aft of the datum?
By adding weight
What is ballast, and why is it used in aircraft?
A ballast is any weight added to obtain a desired CG.
How is a negative moment obtained forward of the datum?
By adding weight
How is a positive moment obtained forward of the datum?
By removing weight
How is a negative moment obtained aft of the datum?
By removing weight
What is the difference between fixed wing and helicopter CG ranges?
Most helicopters have a more restricted CG range.
What should be done with equipment normally carried in an aircraft but not permanently installed when weight an aircraft for weight and balance purposes?
All equipment not permanently installed should be removed.
What is an aircraft loading graph?
A method for determining load distribution to keep the weight and operating CG within the approved range.
What is meant by the term residual fuel?
Fuel that cannot be drained out of the aircraft, as it is stuck in the tanks, lines, or engine.
Why is aircraft category a factor when computing weight and balance?
Aircraft certificated in both normal and utility categories may have two useful loads due to different gross weights.
What is meant by the term residual oil?
Oil that cannot be drained out of the aircraft, as it is stuck in the tanks, lines, or engine.
Name one common leveling method used in weight and balance procedures.
Use of a spirit level at the manufacturers designated leveling points OR use of a built in leveling scale.
What does the term Mean Aerodynamic Chord refer to?
The MAC is the average chord or distance from the leading edge to the trailing edge of an airfoil, usually a wing, as measured in cross section.
What are two ways commonly used to show CG and/ or CG range in different aircraft?
Inches from the datum and percent of MAC
Why is accurate up-to-date empty weight CG data so important?
All other weight and balance calculations are based on EWCG.
