Podcast
Questions and Answers
How is the center of gravity of an aircraft visualized for weight and balance calculations?
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?
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?
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'?
What indicates that an aircraft is 'in balance'?
What is the primary danger of operating an aircraft with its C of G outside of its range?
What is the primary danger of operating an aircraft with its C of G outside of its range?
Who bears the responsibility of ensuring a repair or alteration does not negatively affect the aircraft C of G?
Who bears the responsibility of ensuring a repair or alteration does not negatively affect the aircraft C of G?
What is the purpose of installing ballast in an aircraft?
What is the purpose of installing ballast in an aircraft?
What differentiates 'temporary ballast' from 'fixed ballast'?
What differentiates 'temporary ballast' from 'fixed ballast'?
What documents provide information on how to level and weigh the aircraft?
What documents provide information on how to level and weigh the aircraft?
For weight and balance calculations, how is the algebraic sign (+/-) of the 'arm' determined?
For weight and balance calculations, how is the algebraic sign (+/-) of the 'arm' determined?
Under what circumstance will the algebraic sign of a weight be negative?
Under what circumstance will the algebraic sign of a weight be negative?
What two scenarios may cause a negative moment?
What two scenarios may cause a negative moment?
What does MAC stand for in aviation weight and balance.
What does MAC stand for in aviation weight and balance.
How is the C of G of a transport category aircraft typically expressed?
How is the C of G of a transport category aircraft typically expressed?
What is the 'Mean Aerodynamic Chord (MAC)'?
What is the 'Mean Aerodynamic Chord (MAC)'?
In the context of wing design, what is the 'chord'?
In the context of wing design, what is the 'chord'?
The distance between the leading and trailing edge of the wing, measured parallel to the normal airflow over the wing, is known as:
The distance between the leading and trailing edge of the wing, measured parallel to the normal airflow over the wing, is known as:
What effect do tapered and swept wings have on chord length?
What effect do tapered and swept wings have on chord length?
What is meant by 'Leading Edge of MAC (LEMAC)'?
What is meant by 'Leading Edge of MAC (LEMAC)'?
What is the importance of the datum in aircraft weight and balance?
What is the importance of the datum in aircraft weight and balance?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Why are repairs and modifications considered 'sources of weight change'?
Why are repairs and modifications considered 'sources of weight change'?
What action is required following repairs and modifications that change the aircraft's weight?
What action is required following repairs and modifications that change the aircraft's weight?
What information must be recorded in the journey log after a modification affecting weight and balance?
What information must be recorded in the journey log after a modification affecting weight and balance?
According to standards, what document should be amended to reflect any change to installed equipment?
According to standards, what document should be amended to reflect any change to installed equipment?
According to regulations, which of the following is required to be kept as a technical record for an aircraft?
According to regulations, which of the following is required to be kept as a technical record for an aircraft?
What does a supplemental list contain within an aircraft having alternative configurations?
What does a supplemental list contain within an aircraft having alternative configurations?
For an aircraft being operated in multiple different configurations, how are weight and balance changes documented.
For an aircraft being operated in multiple different configurations, how are weight and balance changes documented.
According to standards, how should changes in an aircraft configuration be handled for weight and balance?
According to standards, how should changes in an aircraft configuration be handled for weight and balance?
What is the consequence of ignoring the aircraft's weight and balance limitations?
What is the consequence of ignoring the aircraft's weight and balance limitations?
Which of these actions requires a modification to the aircraft's weight and balance records?
Which of these actions requires a modification to the aircraft's weight and balance records?
Why is accurate weight and balance essential for flight safety?
Why is accurate weight and balance essential for flight safety?
What parameters are used to determine the center of gravity (CG) in weight and balance calculations?
What parameters are used to determine the center of gravity (CG) in weight and balance calculations?
What component of the aircraft can be used to level the aircraft?
What component of the aircraft can be used to level the aircraft?
What documentation is related to weight and balance that is required when a aircraft undergoes a modification?
What documentation is related to weight and balance that is required when a aircraft undergoes a modification?
What unit of measurement is used to determine the center of gravity?
What unit of measurement is used to determine the center of gravity?
Where is the Mean Aerodynamic Chord (MAC) located on an aircraft?
Where is the Mean Aerodynamic Chord (MAC) located on an aircraft?
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)?
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)?
An aircraft's weight is increased, but its C of G remains within the allowable limits. What is the likely consequence of this situation?
An aircraft's weight is increased, but its C of G remains within the allowable limits. What is the likely consequence of this situation?
What is the relationship between 'arm' and 'moment' in weight and balance calculations?
What is the relationship between 'arm' and 'moment' in weight and balance calculations?
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?
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?
The algebraic sign (positive or negative) of a weight used in weight and balance calculations is determined by what factor?
The algebraic sign (positive or negative) of a weight used in weight and balance calculations is determined by what factor?
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?
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?
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)?
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)?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Flashcards
Imaginary Fulcrum
Imaginary Fulcrum
The center of gravity of an aircraft can be visualized as this to help with weight and balance calculations.
Arm
Arm
The distance from the fulcrum to a weight in weight and balance calculations.
Moment
Moment
The total force exerted by a weight at a distance from the fulcrum.
C of G (Center of Gravity)
C of G (Center of Gravity)
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Ballast
Ballast
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Permanent Ballast
Permanent Ballast
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Temporary Ballast
Temporary Ballast
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C of G Range
C of G Range
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C of G in Transport Aircraft
C of G in Transport Aircraft
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MAC (Mean Aerodynamic Chord)
MAC (Mean Aerodynamic Chord)
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LEMAC (Leading Edge of MAC)
LEMAC (Leading Edge of MAC)
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TEMAC (Trailing Edge of MAC)
TEMAC (Trailing Edge of MAC)
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W&B Amendments
W&B Amendments
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Lateral Datum
Lateral Datum
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Equipment List Amendment
Equipment List Amendment
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Type Certificate Datasheet
Type Certificate Datasheet
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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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