Weight and balance

Question 1

if an aircraft is loaded so that the aft C.G. limit is exceeded what undesirable flight characteristics is likely to result?

Answer 1

The aircraft will be tail heavy and may be unable to recover from a stall or spin

Question 2

if all the records for an aircraft are missing how would you determine the empty weight and empty weight C.G.

Answer 2

The aircraft have to be weighted and a new weight and balance records would have to be prepared

Question 3

define tare weight and describe how it is handle when weight and aircraft

Answer 3

tare weight is the weigh of anything on the scales that is not part of the aircraft . it must be subtracted from the scale weigh reading to determine the net weight of the airplan

Question 4

if a piece of equipment such as a radio is aded to an aircraft how can you determine the effect on weight and balance with out reweighing the aircraft

Answer 4

If the weight and balance records are up to date a new weight and C.G. location can be determine by computation

Question 5

Why is control of the weight and balance of an aircraft important

Answer 5

to provide maximum safety

Question 6

what is the datum of an aircraft and what s its function

Answer 6

The datum is the 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

Question 7

how do you determine the moment of an item of equipment

Answer 7

the weight of the item is multiplied by its arm which is the distance between the item and the datum

Question 8

what are two ways of determine the moment the arm of an item of equipment

Answer 8

measure the distance between the item and the datum or use data supply by the manufacture

Question 9

what should be done to obtain a positive plus moment aft of the datum

Answer 9

Add weight

Question 10

what should be done to obtain a negative (minus) moment aft of the datum

Answer 10

remove weight

Question 11

what should be done to obtain a positive (plus) moment forward of the datum

Answer 11

Remove weight

Question 12

what should be done to obtain a negative (minus)moment forward the datum

Answer 12

Add weight

Question 13

how does the category of an aircraft affect its loaded weight

Answer 13

Aircraft certificated in more than one category such a normal and aerobatic may have two different maximum gross weights and different useful loads

Question 14

what should you do with the equipment that is not permanently installed in the aircraft when weighing

Answer 14

all equipment not permanently installed should be removed

Question 15

what is residual fuel

Answer 15

Any fuel remain in line, tanks, and engine after the system has been drained

Question 16

How should you account for fuel when weighing an aircraft to determine weight and balance

Answer 16

either drain the fuel system until only unusable fuel remains or fill the tanks full and subtract out the weight of the useful fuel

Question 17

where are the leveling instructions found and describe one method of leveling aircraft

Answer 17

In the TCDS. using a spirit level in specific points or using plum bob from a designated point along with a leveling scale protractor

Question 18

define Mean aerodynamic chord or MAc

Answer 18

Mean aerodynamic chord is the chord drawn through the center of the wing plan area

Question 19

Describe the two most common ways of showing the C G location and /or CG range

Answer 19

in inches from the datum or in percent of MAC

Question 20

what is the purpose of an aircraft loading graph

Answer 20

it is a method for determine how to distribute the load so as to keep the CG with allowable limits

Question 21

whats ballast and why would you use it in an airplane

Answer 21

Ballast is weight added to an airplane to bring the CG into allowable or desired range

Question 22

Installation of several new radios in the nose of an aircraft causes the forward CG limit to be exceeded. How can you correct the problem without removing the new equipment

Answer 22

Ballast may be installed in the tail to move the CG aft.

Question 23

How does the CG range of a helicopter compare to that of a fixed-wing airplane

Answer 23

Helicopters typically have a much smaller CG range than airplanes