Weight and Balance

Question 1

Overloading

Answer 1

Exceed maximum gross takeoff weight of the aircraft as listed in TCDS (Tag Certificate Data Sheet).

Question 2

Overloading Causes

Answer 2

• Longer takeoff run.
• Decreased fuel. economy or efficiency.
• Sluggish flight controls.
• Higher landing speed - need more lift to keep aircraft in the air.
• Higher tall speed.
• Possible structural damage - 12 ft/sec maximum drop.
• Less effective braking.
• Increased maintenance cost.
• Lower ceiling.
• Lower rate of climb.
• Decrease glide ratio.

Question 3

Adverse Forward Loading (Nose Heavy)

Answer 3

• May not be able to flair when landing. (possible structural damage/possible prop strike)
• May not be able to rotate on take-off
• Unresponsive controls
• Increase tendency to dive when you reduce power.
• Increase tendency to dive when you extend flaps.
• Less effective braking.
• Less effective maneuverability on the ground.
• Spin recovery is more difficult
• Decrease efficiency.

Question 4

Adverse Rearward Loading (Tail Heavy)

Answer 4

• May over rotate aircraft on take-off - scrape tail or stall.
• May over rotate aircraft on landing - stall
• Dangerous spin characteristics
• Decrease fuel economy
• Poor stability

Note: This is the most dangerous condition to try to fly an aircraft.

Question 5

Weight and Balance Calculations Must Be Done After:

Answer 5

• Repairs (not required if replacing parts with like parts / may or may not be required after an equipment change)
• Depends on the weight of reinforcement and its location
• Alteration (means equipment has been added or removed)

Question 6

Weight and Balance Must Be Recorded In:

Answer 6

• Aircraft maintenance records (log book)
• On a FAA form 337 if the major repair or overhaul caused a weight and balance change
• Aircraft equipment list (list of all permanently installed equipment / A&P must update equipment list and is responsible for listing change)

Question 7

Empty Weights

Answer 7

Includes the weight of the airframe and all permanently installed equipment.
- Airframe
- Engine
- Fixed ballast
- Engine Coolant
- Engine oil check the TCD Note 1
- Residual fuel (un-drainable fuel) Cehck TCD for amount of residual fuel
- Check TCD for any other items that could be a part of empty weight
- Hydraulic fluid

Question 8

EWCG (Empty Weight Center of Gravity)

Answer 8

Total Moments / Total Empty Weight

Question 9

Formula for Something?

Answer 9

Maximum Weight / Maximum Gross Weight

Is the maximum take off weight listed in the TCDS

Question 10

Useful Load

Answer 10

Consists of fuel, crew, passengers, and cargo

Question 11

Datum Line

Answer 11

Located right on the firewall (right behind engine compartment)

All measurements forward of datum are negative and all measurements aft of datum are positive

Question 12

Moment

Answer 12

A rotational force.

Moment = Weight x Arm

Inch pounds of pounds inches

Question 13

Center of Gravity

Answer 13

Balance Point

CG = negative and positive moment is equated to zero