A&P Weight and Balance Principles Questions and Answers

Question 1

An aircraft is loaded such that its center of gravity (CG) is located at the most forward limit. Which of the following performance characteristics is to be expected?

Accepted Answer

A lower cruising speed and a higher stalling speed.

Answer

A higher cruising speed and a lower stalling speed.

Answer

Improved stall recovery characteristics and increased fuel efficiency.

Answer

Reduced longitudinal stability and a lower angle of attack for level flight.

Question 2

A technician needs to calculate the center of gravity (CG) of an aircraft. The total weight is 3,500 lbs and the total moment is 297,500 in-lbs. What is the correct formula and resulting CG location?

Accepted Answer

CG = Total Moment / Total Weight; 85 inches

Answer

CG = Total Weight / Total Moment; 0.0117 inches

Answer

CG = Total Moment x Total Weight; 1,041,250,000 inches

Answer

CG = Total Weight + Total Moment; 301,000 inches

Question 3

Which term is defined as the empty weight of the aircraft plus the weight of optional and special equipment that has been installed?

Accepted Answer

Basic Empty Weight

Answer

Useful Load

Answer

Payload

Answer

Maximum Zero Fuel Weight

Question 4

During a weight and balance procedure, a technician calculates that a 50 lb piece of equipment needs to be moved to shift the aircraft's CG forward by 2 inches. If the total aircraft weight is 4,000 lbs, how far must the equipment be moved?

Accepted Answer

Forward by 160 inches

Answer

Forward by 80 inches

Answer

Aft by 160 inches

Answer

Aft by 80 inches

Question 5

Which of the following defines the imaginary vertical plane from which all horizontal measurements of arm are taken for weight and balance purposes?

Accepted Answer

Datum

Answer

Center of Gravity (CG)

Answer

Mean Aerodynamic Chord (MAC)

Answer

Longitudinal Axis

Question 6

An aircraft is loaded with its center of gravity (CG) near the aft limit. What effect does this have on the aircraft's stability and stall recovery characteristics?

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal stability is reduced, making stall recovery more difficult.

Answer

Longitudinal stability is increased, making stall recovery easier.

Answer

Directional stability is decreased, but stall recovery is unaffected.

Answer

Longitudinal stability is unaffected, but stall recovery is more difficult.