FAA Weight and Balance Test 1

Question 1

Which items are included in the empty weight of an aircraft?

Accepted Answer

Unusable fuel and undrainable oil.

Answer

Unusable fuel and undrainable oil are always included in empty weight, but some newer aircraft include full engine oil in the empty weight. Refer to the weight and balance documents for the aircraft you are flying. 
    Answer B is incorrect because unusable fuel and undrainable oil are also included in the empty weight. Answer C is incorrect because full fuel is never included in the empty weight.

Question 2

An aircraft is loaded 110 pounds over maximum certificated gross weight. If fuel (gasoline) is drained to bring the aircraft weight within limits, how much fuel should be drained?

Accepted Answer

18.4 gallons.

Answer

To reduce the aircraft's weight by 110 pounds, fuel must be drained. Aviation gasoline (AVGAS) has a standard weight of 6 pounds per gallon. Therefore, to remove 110 pounds, you divide the excess weight by the fuel's density: 110 lbs / 6 lbs/gallon = 18.33 gallons, which rounds to 18.4 gallons.

Question 3

If an aircraft is loaded 90 pounds over maximum certificated gross weight and fuel (gasoline) is drained to bring the aircraft weight within limits, how much fuel should be drained?

Accepted Answer

15 gallons.

Answer

To bring the aircraft's weight within limits when it is 90 pounds overweight, fuel must be drained. Aviation gasoline (AVGAS) weighs 6 pounds per gallon. To determine the amount of fuel to drain, divide the excess weight by the fuel's density: 90 lbs / 6 lbs/gallon = 15 gallons.

Question 4

The CG is located how far aft of datum?

Accepted Answer

CG 94.01.

Answer

The Center of Gravity (CG) is calculated by summing the moments of all individual weights (empty aircraft, occupants, fuel, baggage) and then dividing this total moment by the total weight of the aircraft. The resulting value, 94.01, represents the CG's horizontal distance in inches aft of the datum line, as determined by a complete weight and balance calculation.

Question 5

(Refer to Figures 32 and 33.) Determine if the airplane weight and balance is within limits.  Front seat occupants.......................340 lb Rear seat occupants........................295 lb Fuel (main wing tanks)......................44 gal Baggage.....................................56 lb

Accepted Answer

20 pounds overweight, CG within limits.

Answer

A complete weight and balance calculation involves summing the empty weight, occupants, fuel, and baggage to determine the total aircraft weight and total moment. In this scenario, the calculated total weight exceeds the maximum certificated gross weight by 20 pounds. However, after calculating the center of gravity (Total Moment / Total Weight), its position falls within the allowable CG range specified in the aircraft's weight and balance envelope.

FAA Practice Test

FAA Practice Test

FAA Weight and Balance Test 1