Maintenance Records 5: Weight and Balance Calculations MR5

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Questions and Answers

How is the center of gravity of an aircraft visualized for weight and balance calculations?

  • As an imaginary fulcrum. (correct)
  • As the exact center of the aircraft's physical structure.
  • As a point with no relevance to weight distribution.
  • As a collection of individual point masses.

What term describes the distance between a weight and the fulcrum in weight and balance calculations?

  • Moment
  • Arm (correct)
  • Fulcrum distance
  • Leverage

In the context of aircraft weight and balance, what does the term 'moment' refer to?

  • The exact point where weight equals balance.
  • The instantaneous velocity of the aircraft.
  • The force exerted about the fulcrum. (correct)
  • The aircraft's potential for sudden movements.

What indicates that an aircraft is 'in balance'?

<p>When the algebraic sum of moments falls within the C of G range. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary danger of operating an aircraft with its C of G outside of its range?

<p>Prohibited operation that may result in compromised stability and control. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who bears the responsibility of ensuring a repair or alteration does not negatively affect the aircraft C of G?

<p>The Aviation Maintenance Engineer (AME). (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of installing ballast in an aircraft?

<p>To bring the C of G into the desired range. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates 'temporary ballast' from 'fixed ballast'?

<p>Temporary ballast is for specific flight conditions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What documents provide information on how to level and weigh the aircraft?

<p>Maintenance Manual (MM) or Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

For weight and balance calculations, how is the algebraic sign (+/-) of the 'arm' determined?

<p>By its position relative to the datum. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstance will the algebraic sign of a weight be negative?

<p>When the weight is being removed. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What two scenarios may cause a negative moment?

<p>Weight removed aft of the datum, weight installed forward of the datum. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does MAC stand for in aviation weight and balance.

<p>Mean Aerodynamic Chord. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the C of G of a transport category aircraft typically expressed?

<p>As a percentage of the Mean Aerodynamic Chord (MAC). (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'Mean Aerodynamic Chord (MAC)'?

<p>The chord drawn through the center of wing plan area. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of wing design, what is the 'chord'?

<p>The line connecting the leading and trailing edges of the wing. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The distance between the leading and trailing edge of the wing, measured parallel to the normal airflow over the wing, is known as:

<p>Chord. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect do tapered and swept wings have on chord length?

<p>The chord length varies along the wing's length. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'Leading Edge of MAC (LEMAC)'?

<p>The forward most point of the mean aerodynamic chord (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of the datum in aircraft weight and balance?

<p>It's the reference point from which all horizontal measurements are taken. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If an aircraft's new C of G is at station 914.6", after a modification, and the forward and aft C of G limits are at 860.2" and 1,040.9" respectively, is the new C of G within the allowable limits?

<p>Yes, it is within the allowable limits. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If an aircraft's new C of G is at station 883.7", following a modification, and the forward and aft C of G limits are at 860.2" and 1,040.9" respectively, is the new C of G within the allowable limits?

<p>Yes, it is within the allowable limits. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are repairs and modifications considered 'sources of weight change'?

<p>They may alter the aircraft's weight and balance. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action is required following repairs and modifications that change the aircraft's weight?

<p>Amendments to the aircraft's current W&amp;B report. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What information must be recorded in the journey log after a modification affecting weight and balance?

<p>A description of the change, the effective date, and the weight and moment arm of each item installed or removed. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to standards, what document should be amended to reflect any change to installed equipment?

<p>The weight and balance report equipment list. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to regulations, which of the following is required to be kept as a technical record for an aircraft?

<p>An empty weight and balance report. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a supplemental list contain within an aircraft having alternative configurations?

<p>The differences from the basic aircraft configuration. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

For an aircraft being operated in multiple different configurations, how are weight and balance changes documented.

<p>Through a separate weight and balance report addendum for each configuration (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to standards, how should changes in an aircraft configuration be handled for weight and balance?

<p>By identifying the applicable addendum in the aircraft journey log. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of ignoring the aircraft's weight and balance limitations?

<p>Potential catastrophic loss of control. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these actions requires a modification to the aircraft's weight and balance records?

<p>Adding a new avionics system in the aircraft. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is accurate weight and balance essential for flight safety?

<p>It directly affects the aircraft's stability and performance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What parameters are used to determine the center of gravity (CG) in weight and balance calculations?

<p>Weight and Arm. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What component of the aircraft can be used to level the aircraft?

<p>Datum points. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What documentation is related to weight and balance that is required when a aircraft undergoes a modification?

<p>W&amp;B Amendment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What unit of measurement is used to determine the center of gravity?

<p>Inches (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where is the Mean Aerodynamic Chord (MAC) located on an aircraft?

<p>Wing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a baggage item is moved from a location forward of the datum to a location aft of the datum, how will this affect the aircraft's center of gravity (C of G)?

<p>The C of G will shift aft. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An aircraft's weight is increased, but its C of G remains within the allowable limits. What is the likely consequence of this situation?

<p>Decreased maneuverability. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between 'arm' and 'moment' in weight and balance calculations?

<p>Moment is the product of arm and weight. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An aircraft is loaded such that the combined moments of all items are within limits; however, the forward compartment is loaded to its maximum capacity while the aft compartment is nearly empty. What potential problem does this present?

<p>The C of G may still be within limits, but localized stress on the airframe may exceed structural limits.. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The algebraic sign (positive or negative) of a weight used in weight and balance calculations is determined by what factor?

<p>Whether the weight is being added to or removed from the aircraft. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An aircraft's C of G is found to be outside the forward limit. What effect will this have on the aircraft's flight characteristics?

<p>Increased stall speed and difficulty in raising the nose, especially during landing. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for expressing the C of G of a large transport category aircraft as a percentage of the Mean Aerodynamic Chord (MAC)?

<p>To provide a standardized, non-dimensional measure that accounts for wing geometry. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Following the installation of new avionics equipment in the nose of an aircraft, it is determined that temporary ballast is required. Where should this ballast ideally be placed?

<p>As far aft as possible. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An aircraft's initial weight and balance report indicates a specific equipment list. What action is required if a non-essential item from this list is temporarily removed for maintenance?

<p>An entry must be made in the journey log, but the weight and balance report need not be immediately amended. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the presence of swept wings on an aircraft typically influence the calculation and management of its weight and balance, compared to an aircraft with straight wings?

<p>Swept wings require consideration of spanwise loading, making weight and balance more critical due to potential aeroelastic effects. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Imaginary Fulcrum

The center of gravity of an aircraft can be visualized as this to help with weight and balance calculations.

Arm

The distance from the fulcrum to a weight in weight and balance calculations.

Moment

The total force exerted by a weight at a distance from the fulcrum.

C of G (Center of Gravity)

The point on the aircraft where the algebraic sum of the nose and tail moments is zero.

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Ballast

Weight used to bring the C of G into the desired range.

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Permanent Ballast

Installed in an aircraft and must not be removed.

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Temporary Ballast

Used to bring the C of G within limits for a specific flight condition.

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C of G Range

The most forward and rearward C of G limits.

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C of G in Transport Aircraft

Expressed as a percentage of the mean aerodynamic chord, or MAC, of the wing.

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MAC (Mean Aerodynamic Chord)

The chord drawn through the center of the wing plan area.

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LEMAC (Leading Edge of MAC)

The leading edge of the MAC.

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TEMAC (Trailing Edge of MAC)

The trailing edge of the MAC.

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W&B Amendments

Weight and balance reports showing maintenance that have been performed.

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Lateral Datum

An aerodynamic reference point or datum is used for lateral balance calculations.

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Equipment List Amendment

Items not part of the original aircraft must be listed.

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Type Certificate Datasheet

A document aircraft manufacturers maintain to show original data.

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Study Notes

Weight and Balance Introduction

  • Aircraft weight and balance calculations are based on visualizing the center of gravity as an imaginary fulcrum
  • Weight exerts force about the fulcrum that depends on the weight and distance from the fulcrum

Arm

  • This is the distance from the fulcrum

Moment

  • The total force exerted

Fulcrum/Beam Example

  • A beam resting on a fulcrum has two weights of 100 lbs each, 10" from the fulcrum

Moment Equation

  • Weight₁ x Distance₁ = Weight₂ x Distance₂
  • In inch pounds (in-lbs), Force (moment) = weight X distance (arm)

Center of Gravity

  • This is the point on the aircraft where the algebraic sum of the nose and tail moments is zero

Added vs Removed Weight

  • Positive and negative moments allow calculation of the C of G via an algebraic sum

Datum position affects algebraic sign

  • The algebraic sign of the weight is determined by whether the weight is being added or removed
  • Added weight is + lbs, and removed weight is - lbs

Negative Moment Conditions:

  • When weight is installed forward of the datum (+ weight and - arm)
  • When weight is being removed aft of the datum (- weight x + arm)

C of G Range

  • Forward and rearward C of G limits makes up the aircraft's C of G range
  • Aircraft in balance when the average moment of the loaded aircraft falls within this range
  • Operation of an aircraft that has its C of G outside its range is prohibited
  • Aircraft Maintenance Engineers are responsible for ensuring that repairs or alterations do not shift the aircraft C of G beyond acceptable limits
  • Ballast is weight added to bring the C of G into the desired range
  • Permanent or fixed ballast is installed in an aircraft
  • Temporary ballast is used to bring the C of G within limits for a specific flight condition

Maintenance Manuals

  • The Maintenance Manual or Pilot Operating Handbook will provide instructions on leveling and weighing the aircraft with specified amounts of fuel and oil
  • The MM or POH should supply a sheet to fill out with procedures on how to do the calculations

MAC - Large Aircraft C of G

  • The C of G of a transport category aircraft is expressed as a percentage of the mean aerodynamic chord (MAC) of the wing
  • The MAC is the chord drawn through the center of the wing plan area
  • Chord is the distance between the leading and trailing edge of the wing parallel to the normal airflow
  • Most commercial transport airplanes have wings that are both tapered and swept, resulting in a variable wing width
  • Average length of the chord is known as the mean aerodynamic chord (MAC)
  • The leading edge of the MAC is referred to as the LEMAC, and the trailing edge of the MAC is referred to as the TEMAC

Rotary Wing Datum Positions

  • Rotary wing can be on either side of the lateral datum.

W&B Procedures

  • At manufacture, an aircraft is weighed, then a weight and balance report is generated
  • Manufacturers conduct extensive tests to establish loading limits at the time of certification, and are then identified in the datasheet.
  • Repairs and modifications are sources of weight change
  • These require amendments to the aircraft's most current W&B report.
  • Following a modification or a major repair, the person responsible updates the journey log
  • Amendments require : a description of the change, effective date of the change; and the weight and moment arm of each item installed or removed
  • An equipment list must be amended to reflect changes
  • Alternate configurations require a separate weight and balance report addendum for each configuration
  • Each addendum must include a supplementary list showing differences from the basic aircraft configuration
  • The empty weight and center of gravity for the applicable configuration must also be included

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