AM Aircraft Weight & Balance 3

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

CG shifts forward

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The item is located forward of the datum

Answer

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.

(AM) Aircraft Maintenance Certification Practice Test

(AM) Aircraft Maintenance Certification Practice Test

AM Aircraft Weight & Balance 3