7.16 Aircraft Weight and Balance Flashcards
(79 cards)
What factors determine the maximum allowable weight of an aircraft?
The maximum allowable weight is based on the surface area, the shape of the wings, and how much lift the wings generate at a safe airspeed.
Why is take-off speed important for aircraft safety?
A small light aircraft requiring a take-off speed of about 320 kilometres per hour (200 miles per hour) to generate enough lift to support its weight would not be deemed safe.
What is the significance of an aircraft’s balance?
An aircraft’s balance is significant for safe operation; poor balance can lead to poor manoeuvrability and controllability, increasing the risk of accidents.
How does improper loading affect aircraft efficiency?
Improper loading reduces efficiency, affecting manoeuvrability, rate of climb, speed, and fuel consumption.
What happens if an aircraft is nose heavy?
If an aircraft is nose heavy, higher forces must be exerted at the tail to maintain level flight, creating additional drag and requiring more engine power and fuel.
What is the most efficient condition for an aircraft’s balance?
The most efficient condition is when the aircraft balances at its centre of lift, requiring little or no flight control force to maintain straight and level flight.
What must be included in an aircraft’s weight and balance report?
The report must include the empty weight of the aircraft and the location of the Centre of Gravity (CG).
What is the manufacturer’s responsibility regarding aircraft weight?
The manufacturer must weigh each aircraft produced and issue a weight and balance report based on that specific aircraft.
What is the regulation regarding the percentage of aircraft that must be weighed?
Manufacturers are permitted to weigh only an agreed percentage (10% to 20%) of any particular model and apply the average to the aircraft as a whole.
What triggers the need for an aircraft to be reweighed?
Reweighing may be required for small light aircraft periodically, especially if the weight and balance report is lost or if new equipment is installed.
What are the consequences of an overloaded aircraft?
An overloaded aircraft may require a higher take-off speed, have reduced climb rate, lower service ceiling, decreased cruising speed, and longer landing roll.
What is the purpose of the flight crew operating handbook?
The handbook includes tables or charts that indicate the expected performance for any given weight, aiding in pre-flight planning.
What is a datum line in aircraft weight and balance?
The datum line is a reference point from which the arm of an aircraft’s components is measured.
What is an arm in the context of aircraft weight and balance?
The arm is the horizontal distance from the datum to a part of the aircraft, measured in inches, with positive or negative signs indicating its location relative to the datum.
What is a moment in aircraft weight and balance?
A moment is the product of weight multiplied by its arm, measured in inch-pounds or newton metres.
What is the Centre of Gravity (CG) in an aircraft?
The CG is the point along the aircraft’s longitudinal axis where its weight is concentrated and must be within specific limits for safe flight.
What happens if the CG is too far aft?
If the CG is too far aft, the aircraft becomes unstable and difficult to recover in the event of a stall.
What happens if the CG is too far forward?
If the CG is too far forward, it increases the downward tail load needed to maintain level flight, effectively adding weight.
What happens if the Centre of Gravity (CG) is too far aft?
The aircraft becomes unstable and difficult to recover in the event of a stall. If it enters a spin, recovery is extremely difficult or even impossible.
What is the effect of a forward Centre of Gravity (CG)?
It increases the downward tail load to maintain level flight, causing the aircraft to fly at a higher angle of attack and increasing drag.
What serious problem can occur with a forward CG during take-off and landing?
There may not be enough elevator authority to provide sufficient nose-up force to rotate during take-off and to flare the aircraft during landing.
How does lateral symmetry affect aircraft balance?
The basic design assumes equal weight on both sides of the aircraft’s centerline, but uneven fuel loading can upset this balance.
How can a pilot correct a laterally unbalanced condition?
By using the aileron trim tab until enough fuel has been used from the heavy side to balance the aircraft.
What is the consequence of using aileron trim tabs?
They produce additional lift on the heavy side but also increase drag, causing the aircraft to fly inefficiently.
