Weight & Balance

Question 2

Define ‘CG range.’

Answer 2

The distance between the forward and aft CG limits within which the aircraft must be operated.

Question 3

What is the effect of exceeding the forward CG limit?

Answer 3

The aircraft may be nose-heavy, leading to difficulty in raising the nose for takeoff and increased stall speed.

Question 4

What is the effect of exceeding the aft CG limit?

Answer 4

The aircraft may be tail-heavy, resulting in decreased longitudinal stability and difficulty in recovering from stalls.

Question 5

What is ‘ballast’?

Answer 5

Weight added to an aircraft to bring the CG within the allowable range.

Question 6

Where is the aircraft’s CG location typically expressed?

Answer 6

In inches from the datum or as a percentage of the Mean Aerodynamic Chord (MAC).

Question 7

What is ‘MAC’?

Answer 7

Mean Aerodynamic Chord - the average chord length of the wing.

Question 8

What is the purpose of an aircraft loading graph?

Answer 8

To provide a visual representation of the allowable load distribution and CG limits.

Question 9

What is the relationship between weight and moment?

Answer 9

Moment is the product of weight and arm (Moment = Weight x Arm).

Question 10

How does adding weight forward of the CG affect the CG location?

Answer 10

The CG will move forward.

Question 11

How does removing weight aft of the CG affect the CG location?

Answer 11

The CG will move forward.

Question 12

What is ‘useful load’?

Answer 12

The weight of the crew, passengers, baggage, usable fuel, and drainable oil.

Question 13

What is ‘unusable fuel’?

Answer 13

The fuel that cannot be drained or used in flight. It is included in the empty weight.

Question 14

What is the procedure for weighing an aircraft?

Answer 14

Prepare the aircraft (remove non-essential items), position it on scales, record scale readings, and calculate the empty weight and CG.

Question 15

What corrections must be made when weighing an aircraft?

Answer 15

Account for tare weight and any weight not part of the empty weight configuration.

Question 16

Where can you find the specific CG limits for an aircraft?

Answer 16

In the Type Certificate Data Sheets (TCDS) or the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM).

Question 17

What is the effect of a shift in CG on an aircraft’s stability?

Answer 17

A forward shift increases stability, while an aft shift decreases stability.

Question 18

Why is lateral weight and balance important in some aircraft?

Answer 18

To prevent rolling tendencies and ensure symmetrical flight characteristics.

Question 19

What is the term for the weight of the aircraft structure, including the wings, fuselage, and tail?

Answer 19

Airframe weight.

Question 20

What is the potential impact of water accumulation in an aircraft?

Answer 20

It adds weight and can shift the CG, potentially affecting flight characteristics.

Question 21

When must an aircraft be reweighed?

Answer 21

After any major repairs or alterations that may significantly affect weight or balance.

Question 22

What is the term for the total weight of the aircraft and all its contents at any given moment?

Answer 22

Gross weight.

Question 23

What is the maximum weight of an aircraft, excluding any usable fuel?

Answer 23

Maximum zero fuel weight.

Question 24

What is the minimum amount of fuel needed for weight and balance calculations?

Answer 24

Minimum fuel. Enough for 30 minutes of flight time at max cruise rated speed

Question 25

What is the effect of ice or snow accumulation on an aircraft's weight and balance?

Answer 25

Increases weight and can shift the CG.

Question 26

Where would you find specific information about an aircraft's leveling requirements?

Answer 26

Type Certificate Data Sheets (TCDS).

Question 27

What is the first step in calculating a new CG when weight is added or removed?

Answer 27

Determine the weight and arm of the added or removed weight.

Question 28

How is the CG expressed as a percentage of MAC calculated?

Answer 28

(Distance of CG aft of the leading edge of MAC / MAC) x 100.

Question 29

What is the purpose of a plumb bob in aircraft weighing?

Answer 29

To ensure the aircraft is level.

Question 30

What is the potential problem if an aircraft is loaded outside of its CG limits?

Answer 30

It can lead to reduced controllability and/or structural stress.

Question 31

What is the term for the force that causes an aircraft to rotate around its CG?

Answer 31

Moment.

Question 32

How do you calculate the new total weight after adding a load?

Answer 32

Add the weight of the load to the existing total weight.

Question 33

If a negative moment is obtained, what does this indicate?

Answer 33

The weight is located forward of the datum.

Question 34

What is the significance of the forward CG limit?

Answer 34

It is the furthest forward position of the CG at which the aircraft can be safely operated.

Question 35

What is the significance of the aft CG limit?

Answer 35

It is the furthest aft position of the CG at which the aircraft can be safely operated.

Question 36

What document provides the CG range for a specific aircraft?

Answer 36

Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) or Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS).

Question 37

Why is it important to consider fuel weight in weight and balance calculations?

Answer 37

Because fuel weight changes during flight, affecting the CG.

Question 38

What is the effect of an increase in the aircraft's total weight on takeoff distance?

Answer 38

Takeoff distance increases.

Question 39

What is the effect of a decrease in the aircraft's total weight on landing distance?

Answer 39

Landing distance decreases.

Question 40

How does aircraft category (e.g., normal, utility, acrobatic) affect weight and balance?

Answer 40

Different categories may have different maximum gross weights and CG limits.

Question 41

What is a common way to level an aircraft during the weighing process?

Answer 41

Using a spirit level at specific points on the aircraft.