BAvn Bachelor of Aviation Aircraft Performance and Weight & Balance 2

Question 1

What is the 'arm' in aircraft weight and balance calculations?

Accepted Answer

The horizontal distance from the datum to a component

Answer

The arm is the horizontal distance measured from the aircraft datum to the point where a weight acts, used to calculate moment.

Question 2

How is an aircraft's moment calculated in weight and balance?

Accepted Answer

Weight × Arm

Answer

Moment = Weight × Arm; it represents the rotational tendency of a load about the datum reference point.

Question 3

A pilot adds 50 lb of baggage to the rear cargo compartment. What happens to the aircraft's CG?

Accepted Answer

Moves aft

Answer

Adding weight behind the existing CG increases the aft moment, shifting the overall CG rearward.

Question 4

What is the significance of the aft CG limit in aircraft certification?

Accepted Answer

It marks the point beyond which the aircraft may become longitudinally unstable

Answer

When CG moves aft of the certified limit, the aircraft's longitudinal stability decreases, potentially making it uncontrollable.

Question 5

Which of the following is included in 'Basic Empty Weight' of an aircraft?

Accepted Answer

Unusable fuel, oil, and standard equipment

Answer

Basic Empty Weight includes the airframe, engines, and all items permanently installed, plus unusable fuel and full oil.

BAvn Bachelor of Aviation Practice Test