Weight and balance

Question 1

what is the purpose of aircraft weight and balance control

Answer 1

the primary purpose is safety

Question 2

how is the moment of an item of equipment obtained when computing aircraft weight and balance

Answer 2

weight times arm (the moment of an item is obtained by multiplying the weight of the item by its horizontal distance from the datum)

Question 3

the forward CG limit of an aircraft is exceeded by installation of several items of equipment in the engine compartment. how can this problem be corrected or compensated for without removing or changing any of the newly installed equipment

Answer 3

ballast is used in an aircraft to attain the desired CG balance

Question 4

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

Answer 4

the datum is an imaginary vertical plane from which all horizontal measurements are taken for balance purposes

Question 5

what is tare weight and how is it handled when making weight and balance calculation

Answer 5

tare weight is the weight of all extra items, such as jacks, blocks and chocks on the weighing scale platform and is subtracted from total weight

Question 6

how is the arm of an item of equipment obtained when computing aircraft weight and balance

Answer 6

the arm of each item of equipment is usually included in the specifications for the aircraft; or may be obtained by actual measurement

Question 7

how would you determine the empty weight and empty weight CG of an aircraft if all the weight and balance records are missing

Answer 7

the aircraft must be weighed and a new set of weight and balance records must be computed and compiled

Question 8

how can you determine the effect of a new item of equipment on the aircraft weight and balance without weighing the aircraft

Answer 8

the effect can be determined by basic computations if the weight and balance records are up to date

Question 9

what should be done concerning fuel when weighing an aircraft for weight and balance purposes

Answer 9

with the aircraft in a level attitude, drain the fuel system until empty

Question 10

how is a positive (plus) moment obtained aft of the datum

Answer 10

by adding weight

Question 11

how is a negative (minus) moment obtained aft of the datum

Answer 11

by removing weight

Question 12

how is a positive (plus) moment obtained forward of the datum

Answer 12

by removing weight

Question 13

how is a negative (minus) moment obtained forward of the datum

Answer 13

by adding weight

Question 14

what should be done with equipment normally carried in an aircraft but not permanently installed (such as tool kits, tie down stakes, first aid kits, etc.) when weighing an aircraft for weight and balance purposes

Answer 14

all equipment not permanently installed should be removed

Question 15

what is an aircraft loading graph

Answer 15

a method for determining load distribution to keep the weight and operating CG within the approved range

Question 16

what is meant by the term residual fuel

Answer 16

the fuel remaining in the tank, lines and engine after draining

Question 17

what is meant by the term residual oil

Answer 17

the oil remaining in the tank, lines and engine after draining

Question 18

what is ballast and why is it used in aircraft

Answer 18

ballast is any weight added or removed to obtain a desired CG

Question 19

name one common leveling method used in weight and balance procedures

Answer 19

use of a spirit level at the manufacturers designated leveling points or use of a built in leveling scale (or protractor) and plumb bob

Question 20

what is the difference between fixed wing and helicopter CG ranges

Answer 20

most helicopters have a more restricted CG range

Question 21

why is aircraft category a factor when computing weight and balance

Answer 21

aircraft certificated in both normal and utility categories may have tow useful loads due to different gross weights

Question 22

what does the term mean aerodynamic chord (MAC) refer to

Answer 22

the MAC is the average chord or distance from the leading edge to trailing edge of an airfoil, usually a wing, as measured in cross section

Question 23

what are two ways commonly used to show CG and or CG range in different aircraft

Answer 23

inches from the datum and percent of MAC

Question 24

why is accurate up to date empty weight center gravity data so important

Answer 24

all other weight and balance calculations are based on EWCG

Question 25

list at least 5 items concerning weight and balance that would be listed in the TCDS

Answer 25

1) CG ranges 2) Max weight 3) leveling means 4) number of seats and locations 5) baggage capacity and arm 6) fuel capacity and arm 7) datum location 8) engine HP 9) oil capacity and arm 10) amount of fuel in empty weight and arm 11) amount of oil in empty weight and arm

Question 26

describe a plumb bob and its use

Answer 26

a heavy metal object: cylinder or cone shaped with a sharp point at one end. used to determine a spot that is perpendicular to the point the plumb bob is hanging from

Question 27

what is the recommended markings for permanent ballast

Answer 27

in red paint with the words "permanent ballast do not remove"

Question 28

before a helicopter is weighted, it must be leveled in what directions

Answer 28

longitudinally and laterally

Question 29

explain the performance of a rearward adverse loaded CG check

Answer 29

during an aft adverse-loaded CG check, all useful load items behind the aft CG limit are loaded and all useful load items in front of the aft CG limit are left empty(even through the pilot's seat will be in front of the aft CG limit, the pilot's seat cannot be left empty) If the fuel tank is located forward of the aft CT limit, minimum fuel will be shown. Calculate CG to determine whether it falls within limits