Aircraft Mass and Balance - Mass Limitations

The maximum zero fuel mass is the maximum permissible mass of the aircraft...

• with no unusable fuel

• including the fuel taken up for take-off

• with no usable fuel

• including all usable fuel unless the aircraft flight manual excludes it

The maximum structural take-off mass is

• the maximum permissible total aircraft mass on completion of the refuelling operation

• the maximum permissible total aircraft mass for take off subject to the limiting conditions at the departure airfield

• the maximum permissible total aircraft mass for take off but excluding fuel

• the maximum permissible total aircraft mass at the start of the take-off run

The regulated take-off mass:

• is the lower of maximum structural take-off mass and the performance limited landing mass

• is the higher of maximum structural zero fuel mass and the performance limited take-off mass

• is the lower of maximum structural take-off mass and the performance limited take-off mass

• is the maximum performance limited take-off mass subject to any last minute mass changes

Shortly after take-off, an aircraft has to return to its departure airfield due to a serious technical error. In order to land safely, the aircraft must dump fuel. How much fuel must be dumped?

• Sufficient to reduce the mass to the zero fuel mass

• The pilot calculates the amount of fuel to jettison to reduce the mass to a safe level, or below the regulated landing mass

• As much as the pilot feels it is just sufficient to land safely

• The fuel system automatically stops the jettison at the regulated landing mass

If the maximum structural landing mass is exceeded

• the aircraft will be unable to take-off

• no damage will occur providing the aircraft is within the regulated landing mass

• no damage will occur providing the aircraft is within the performance limited landing mass

• the aircraft's landing gear could collapse on landing

The maximum zero fuel mass is a mass limitation for the

• total load of the fuel imposed upon the wing

• total load of the fuel imposed upon the fuselage

• strength of the wing root

• strength of the fuselage

The maximum mass to which an aircraft may be loaded, prior to engine start is

• maximum regulated taxi mass

• maximum certificated taxi mass

• maximum regulated take-off mass

• maximum structural take-off mass

The maximum structural take off mass is

• a limit which must not be exceeded for any take-off

• a take-off limiting mass which is affected by the aerodrome altitude and temperature

• a take-off limiting mass which is governed by the climb gradient

• limited by the take-off distance available and tabulated in the flight manual

Which of the following statements is correct?

• The maximum take-off mass is equal to the maximum mass when leaving the ramp

• The basic empty mass is equal to the mass of the aircraft excluding traffic load and usable fuel but including the crew

• The maximum zero fuel mass ensures that the centre of gravity remains within limits at all times

• The maximum landing mass of an aircraft is restricted by structural limitations, performance limitations and the strength of the runway

Maximum taxi mass is governed by:

• tyre speed and temperatuire limitations

• structural considerations

• taxi distance to take-off point

• strength of the taxiway pavement