Weight and balance

Question 1

What is the datum and it’s purpose when making weight and balance computations

Answer 1

Imaginary vertical line or plane from which all measurements are taking both forward and aft to determine the relative location of the item in the aircraft

Question 2

What item concerning weight and balance could be found on the TCDS

Answer 2

Center of gravity limits, datum, max weight, leveling means, seat location, baggage capacity and location, fuel capacity and location, engine horsepower, usable fuel and location, oil wait and location

Question 3

What is the purpose of weight and balance control

Answer 3

For safety and efficiency in flight

Question 4

When computing weight and balance what is the moment and how is it obtained

Answer 4

It is obtained by multiplying the weight of an item (pounds) by the distance of the datum (inches). it is expressed in inch pounds W x A = M

Question 5

How would a negative moment be obtained forward of the datum

Answer 5

By adding weight

Question 6

What is the “arm” of an item and how is it obtained

Answer 6

Arm is the distance (in inches) an item is Located either Ford or after the datum it is obtained either by actual measurement or from the aircraft weight and balance records

Question 7

What is “ tar Weight” And how is it handled when making weight and balance calculations

Answer 7

Tare is the weight of extra equipment used for weighting the aircraft such as chocks, blocks, Jack’s and chains. Tare weight must be subtracted from the scale reading in order to obtain the empty weight of the aircraft

Question 8

What is Meant by minimum fuel and how is it calculated for weight and balance

Answer 8

The amount of fuel needed for an extreme condition check, to see if the center of gravity will be out of limits in that situation. For a reciprocating engine airplane, the calculation is : maximum except take off horsepower divided by two (metro divided by 2)

Question 9

What is meant by residual fuel

Answer 9

It is the fuel remaining in the tanks, Sam’s, lines and engine after fuel exhaustion. Also called on drainable or unusable. It is part of the aircraft empty weight

Question 10

What is meant by the center of gravity range

Answer 10

It is the distance in inches from the most Forward acceptable center of gravity to the most rearward acceptable center of gravity

Question 11

What is an aircraft loading graph

Answer 11

A method of determining load distribution so that the aircraft remains within its operating center of gravity range

Question 12

How would you determine the empty weight and empty wait center of gravity of an aircraft if the weight and balance records are missing

Answer 12

Re-weigh the aircraft and calculate the new weight and balance records

Question 13

What is the difference between fixed wing embroidering Aircraft center of gravity ranges

Answer 13

The center of gravity location in a helicopter is much more critical than fixed wing aircraft the center of gravity range in some helicopters will be less than 3 inches

Question 14

When weighing in Aircraft to determine the empty weight center of gravity what must you do regarding the fixed equipment which is normally carried in the aircraft

Answer 14

All operation equipment, whether it is required, optional, or special equipment, must be included in the aircraft empty weight

Question 15

Why do some manufactures specify an empty center of gravity even though The Aircraft is not operated at an empty weight

Answer 15

When empty weight center of gravity falls within the empty weight center of gravity range, it is unnecessary to perform a weight and balance check if standard loading and seating arrangements are used

Question 16

Why must the aircraft category be considered when computing weight and balance

Answer 16

Some aircraft or configured in both normal and utility categories. This means a different maximum allowable gross weight depending on which category the aircraft will be operated in for that day

Question 17

Where is the center of gravity located in relation to the arrow dynamics center of lift for most airplanes

Answer 17

In front of the center of lift

Question 18

What are two common ways of representing the center of gravity of an aircraft

Answer 18

Inches from the datum, or percent of mean aerodynamic cord (%mac)

Question 19

Is there a federal regulation that requires the regular re-weighting a private aircraft

Answer 19

No

Question 20

Where are most a record of the most recent empty weight and center of gravity be kept

Answer 20

It should be maintained in the airplane flight manual or weight and balance records ( In accordance with FAR23.1583)

Question 21

What should be done in regard to aircraft fuel when performing a weight and balance when draining is not an option

Answer 21

The exact weight per gallon should be verified with a hydrometer. Then the weight of the unusable fuel must be mathematically subtracted in the weight and balance calculation

Question 22

How should aircraft you’ll be drained for the weight and balance

Answer 22

Level the aircraft per the TCDS and then drain the fuel system until empty, which will leave the unusable fuel in the system

Question 23

What is a ballast

Answer 23

Balace can be lead bars, metal plates, shot bags, sandbags or other items of weight which are placed in the aircraft to attain a desired center of gravity location

Question 24

If the forward center of gravity limit of an aircraft is exceeded after installing several items in the engine compartment, how could the limit be returned two limits without removing or changing any of the newly installed equipment

Answer 24

By adding a ballast wait in the rear of the aircraft

Question 25

What are the place card requirements for ballast

Answer 25

The Balis location must have a Please card stating any limitations on Contents, including wait, they are necessary under the loading requirements

Question 26

What is recommended for marking of permanent ballast

Answer 26

In red paint, marked with permanent ballast, do not remove

Question 27

How should an aircraft be leveled for Wayne during a weight and balance

Answer 27

It should be leveled per the requirements of the aircraft specifications, or type certification data sheet

Question 28

Name one common method of leveling an aircraft during weight and balance

Answer 28

You may use a built in leveling scale and a Plumb Bob

Question 29

Describe a plumb bob and use it

Answer 29

It is a heavy object in the shape of a con that is used to determine a spot directly below the point the tool is hanging from

Question 30

How can you determine if a part will affect the center of gravity without weighing the aircraft

Answer 30

Basic computations if the weight and balance records are up-to-date. If the records are up-to-date, basic weight and balance computations maybe used