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Questions and Answers
What is weight in the context of aircraft?
The force generated by the gravitational attraction of the earth on the airplane.
The center of gravity (CG) is the point at which the aircraft would balance if it were suspended at that point.
True
Which of the following factors must be considered when calculating the weight and balance of an aircraft?
What happens if the calculated weight and balance fall outside the specified limits?
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Define the term 'moment' in weight and balance calculations.
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The arm is defined as the horizontal distance from the ______ parallel to the centerline of the airplane.
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What are the basic units of measurement used in weight and balance calculations?
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What does positive weight and positive arm yield in terms of moment?
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What is the starting point for station numbers in an aircraft?
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Station numbers only increase towards the nose of the aircraft.
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Why are station numbers important for maintenance and inspection?
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The station number where the wing attaches to the fuselage is known as the ______ station.
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Match the following station references with their descriptions:
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What is the purpose of the CG Envelope?
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Maximum Gross Weight and Maximum Takeoff Weight are the same.
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What does Payload refer to?
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The _____ weight is the weight of the aircraft without any fuel on board.
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Match the weight terminology with its correct definition:
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Study Notes
Introduction to Weight and Balance
- Weight is the force of gravity on an aircraft
- The weight depends on the aircraft's mass, fuel, and payload (people, baggage, freight)
- The center of gravity (CG) is the point where the weight is balanced
- The aircraft rotates around the CG in flight
- The weight force always points towards the center of the earth
- The aircraft's weight changes during flight as fuel is burned
- The CG can change during flight
- Pilots adjust controls to maintain balance during flight
Weight vs Aerodynamic Forces
- Weight (gravitational force) is different from aerodynamic forces like lift and drag
- Aerodynamic forces are mechanical forces that require physical contact with air
- Gravitational force is a field force and doesn't require physical contact
Importance of Weight & Balance
- Proper weight and balance ensure stability and control
- It affects aircraft performance including climb rate, cruise speed, and fuel efficiency
- Incorrect weight distribution can affect structural integrity
Aircraft Weight & Balance Limitations
- Aircraft manufacturers provide weight and balance limitations including maximum and minimum allowable weights
- They also specify acceptable CG ranges
- Pilots must calculate the weight and balance before each flight
- They must consider fuel, passengers, cargo, and all other items onboard
- Adjustments must be made if the calculated weight and balance are outside the specified limits
Datum
- The datum is a reference point on the aircraft used for calculating the CG
- It's usually a specific point forward of the aircraft’s nose (forward of the aircraft’s nose)
- The datum is used to measure the arm
Arm
- The arm is the horizontal distance from the datum to the center of gravity of an object
- The arm is measured in inches parallel to the centerline of the aircraft
- It indicates the distance of the object from the datum
Moment
- Moment is the tendency of a force to rotate an object around a specific point
- In weight & balance, moment is calculated as: Moment = Arm x Weight
- Positive moment is created when weight is added ahead (fwd) of the datum
- Negative moment is created when weight is added behind (aft) of the datum
Moment Rules
- Positive weight and positive arm = Positive moment
- Positive weight and negative arm = Negative moment
- Negative weight and positive arm = Negative moment
- Negative weight and negative arm = Positive moment
Units of Measurement
- Pounds (lbs): A unit of measurement used for weight
- Inches (in or “): A unit of measurement for length
Aircraft Weight & Balance Terminology
- Empty Weight: The weight of the aircraft without any passengers, crew, or baggage.
- Empty Weight: Includes the weight of the basic aircraft structure, engines, fixed equipment, and unusable fuel.
- Useful Load: The total weight of passengers, crew, baggage, and fuel an aircraft can carry.
- Maximum Gross Weight: The maximum total weight an aircraft can safely operate at.
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: The maximum weight at which an aircraft can safely take off.
- Maximum Landing Weight: The maximum weight at which an aircraft can safely land.
- Maximum Ramp Weight: The maximum weight at which an aircraft can be towed or moved on the ground.
- Basic Empty Weight: The empty weight plus the weight of optional equipment installed in the aircraft.
- Standard Empty Weight: The empty weight plus the weight of unusable fuel and full operating fluids.
- Payload: The total weight of passengers, crew, and baggage.
- Baggage Weight: The total weight of all baggage carried on the aircraft.
- Fuel Weight: The total weight of fuel on board the aircraft.
- Cargo Weight: The total weight of cargo carried on the aircraft.
- Operating Weight: The empty weight plus the weight of crew, fuel, and oil.
- Zero Fuel Weight: The weight of the aircraft without any fuel on board.
- CG Envelope: The range of acceptable CG locations for an aircraft.
- Forward CG: A CG that is too far forward of the recommended range.
- Aft CG: A CG that is too far aft of the recommended range.
- CG Range: The acceptable range of CG locations for an aircraft.
- CG Limit: The maximum or minimum allowable CG location.
- CG Chart: A graphical representation of the CG envelope for an aircraft.
- Weight and Balance Sheet: A document used to calculate and record the weight and balance of an aircraft.
Aircraft Coordinate Systems
- Aircraft coordinate systems define the orientation and position of an aircraft in three-dimensional space.
- Primary reference axes: X-axis (longitudinal), Y-axis (lateral), and Z-axis (vertical).
- X-axis: Runs from nose to tail.
- Y-axis: Runs from left wingtip to right wingtip.
- Z-axis: Runs from bottom to top.
Station Numbers
- Station numbers are a system used in aircraft design and manufacturing to precisely locate points along the fuselage.
- Baseline: "Station 0," typically located at the nose of the aircraft.
- Increment: Station numbers increase in increments (usually in feet or meters) moving towards the tail.
- Reference Points: Key components like wings, engines, and landing gear are referenced by their station numbers.
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Importance:
- Design and Manufacturing: Facilitate precise measurements and component alignment.
- Maintenance and Inspection: Help technicians locate specific areas for maintenance and repairs.
- Weight and Balance: Essential for calculating the aircraft's center of gravity.
- Flight Planning: Pilots utilise station numbers to determine the locations of fuel tanks, cargo compartments, and critical equipment.
Examples of Aircraft Stations
- Wing Station: The station number where the wing attaches to the fuselage.
- Engine Station: The station number of the engine mounted to the aircraft.
- Landing Gear Station: The station numbers for the front, main, and nose landing gear.
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Description
This quiz explores the crucial concepts of weight and balance in aviation. Discover how an aircraft's weight affects its performance, stability, and control during flight. Understand the differences between weight and aerodynamic forces, and the importance of maintaining proper balance.
