Aircraft Weight and Balance

Explain when a moment is positive or negative.

• The algebriac sign of the moment is determined based on the location of the datum.

• The algebriac sign of the moment is determined based on the location of the item.

What does the term Tare as it applies to weight and balance mean?

• Items such as (chocks) used to hold aircraft on scale as it is weighed.

• Items needed to be removed from the scale as it is weighed.

• Both are correct.

What does the term Moment as it applies to weight and balance mean?

• The product (result) of the Weight of an item multiplied by its Arm. (Weight x Arm = Moment)

• The sum (result) of the Weight of an item added by its Arm.

What does the term Ballast as it applies to weight and balance mean?

• A weight that is installed or carried on an aircraft to move the center of gravity (CG) within its allowable limits. (think counterweight)

• A weight that is removed or carried on an aircraft to move the center of gravity (CG) within its allowable limits. (think counterweight)

When does an aircraft have to be weighed?

• When required by a maintenance program, when there is a change in equipment or aircraft is modified, or if the weight and balance paperwork is lost, destroyed or otherwise inaccurate.

• When required by a maintenance program, when there is no change in equipment, or if the weight and balance paperwork is lost, destroyed or otherwise inaccurate.

What are the two primary reasons for an aircraft to be weighed and balanced?

• Safety and Efficiency.

• To prevent aircraft from being too nose heavy or too tail heavy.

• Both are correct.

When preparing to weigh an aircraft, where will you find the "leveling means" for the aircraft?

• In the Type Certificate Data Sheet for aircraft.

• In the owners manual for the aircraft.

Define MAC and when it is used.

• Mean Aerodynamic Chord (MAC) is an imaginary airfoil with the same characteristics of an actual airfoil. *The center of gravity (CG) on large aircraft is given in a percent of MAC.*

• Mean Aerodynamic Chord (MAC) is an imaginary airfoil with the same characteristics of an actual airfoil. *The center of gravity (CG) on small aircraft is given in a percent of MAC.*

How are the aircraft's 'center of gravity' and the 'center of lift' related?

• The most efficient condition for an aircraft is to have a point where balances fall at the aircraft's center of lift.

• Little or no flt control force needed to keep the aircraft straight and level.* In terms of stability and safety, this condition may not be desirable.

• Both are correct.

What is an adverse loaded CG check?

• Weight and Balance check to determine that no condition of legal loading can move the aircraft's CG outside of its allowable limits.

• Weight and Balance check to determine that no condition of legal loading can move the aircraft's CG within its allowable limits.