Weight and Balance Flashcards
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 the net weight of the airplane.
How does the category of an aircraft affect its loaded weight?
Aircraft certificated in more than one category, such as normal and aerobatic, may have two different maximum gross weights and different useful loads.
Where are leveling instructions found, and what is one method of leveling an aircraft?
Leveling instructions are found in the TCDS. An aircraft may be leveled by using a spirit level at specified points, or an aircraft may be leveled by using a plumb bob from a designated point along with a leveling scale or protractor.
Define the term “Mean Aerodynamic Chord” or MAC
Mean Aerodynamic Chord is the chord drawn through the center of the wing plan area.
Describe the two most common ways of showing the CG location and/or CG range.
In inches from the datum or percent of MAC.
What is the purpose of an aircraft loading graph?
It is a method for determining how to distribute the load so as to keep the CG within allowable limits.
What is ballast, and why would you use it in an airplane?
Ballast is weight added to an airplane to bring its CG into the allowable or desired range?
How does the CG range of a helicopter compare to that of a fixed-wing airplane?
Helicopters typically have a much smaller CG range.
