Practice Test Geeks(AM) Aircraft Maintenance Certification Practice Test
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Aircraft Weight & Balance Flashcards

7 cards from real AM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Aircraft Weight & Balance flashcards as text

  1. What is the primary purpose of establishing CG limits for an aircraft?

    Answer: To ensure the aircraft remains controllable and structurally safe throughout its flight envelope

    CG limits define the range within which the aircraft must be loaded to ensure adequate control authority and structural integrity throughout all phases of flight.

  2. What is 'MAC' (Mean Aerodynamic Chord) used for in weight and balance?

    Answer: Expressing CG location as a percentage of the wing chord for transport-category aircraft

    For transport-category aircraft, CG is often expressed as a percentage of MAC, which relates the CG position to the aerodynamic characteristics of the wing.

  3. If an item weighing 50 lbs is removed from a station 120 inches aft of the datum, how does the CG shift?

    Answer: CG shifts forward

    Removing weight from an aft station reduces the aft moment, causing the CG to shift forward toward the datum.

  4. What information is required when computing weight and balance for a flight?

    Answer: Weight and location of all items including passengers, baggage, cargo, and fuel

    A complete weight and balance calculation requires the weight and arm (location) of every item on board — passengers, baggage, cargo, and fuel — to accurately determine the loaded CG.

  5. What does a negative arm value indicate in a weight and balance calculation?

    Answer: The item is located forward of the datum

    A negative arm value means the item is located forward (ahead) of the datum, producing a negative moment that acts to move the CG forward.

  6. Which regulatory reference establishes weight and balance requirements for certificated aircraft maintenance?

    Answer: 14 CFR Part 43 and the aircraft's approved Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS)

    14 CFR Part 43 governs maintenance requirements, and the aircraft's TCDS contains FAA-approved weight and balance limits and data specific to the aircraft type.

  7. What is the consequence of exceeding the aircraft's maximum gross weight?

    Answer: Overstress of the structure, degraded performance, and potential loss of airworthiness

    Exceeding maximum gross weight can overstress the airframe, degrade climb and maneuver performance, increase stall speed, and render the aircraft unairworthy.