PPL Weight and Balance Flashcards
7 cards from real PPL practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 PPL Weight and Balance flashcards as text
What is the standard weight of aviation fuel (100LL) per US gallon used in weight and balance calculations?
Answer: 6.0 pounds
Aviation gasoline (100LL) weighs 6.0 pounds per gallon at standard temperature, which is the value used in standard weight and balance calculations.
In weight and balance, what is the 'datum'?
Answer: An imaginary vertical reference plane from which all arm measurements are taken
The datum is an imaginary vertical plane selected by the manufacturer from which all horizontal distances (arms) are measured for weight and balance purposes.
What is a 'moment' in weight and balance calculations?
Answer: The weight of an object multiplied by its arm (distance from datum)
A moment is the product of a weight and its arm (distance from the datum), expressed in pound-inches, and represents the turning force that weight exerts about the datum.
What effect does an aft (rearward) center of gravity beyond limits have on longitudinal stability?
Answer: Decreases longitudinal stability and can make recovery from a stall difficult or impossible
An aft CG beyond the approved limit reduces longitudinal stability, making the aircraft pitch-sensitive and potentially unrecoverable from a stall or spin.
'Useful load' is defined as the difference between which two weights?
Answer: Maximum gross weight and basic empty weight
Useful load equals maximum gross weight minus basic empty weight, representing the total weight available for fuel, oil (if not included in empty weight), passengers, baggage, and cargo.
A forward CG condition beyond limits primarily causes which problem?
Answer: Insufficient elevator authority to raise the nose for landing flare
An excessively forward CG requires full up-elevator to flare for landing; beyond the forward limit, the pilot may not have enough elevator authority to arrest the descent rate.
Which document specifies the approved CG limits and weight and balance data for a specific aircraft?
Answer: The Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) / Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)
The Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) or Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) contains the aircraft-specific weight and balance data, loading graphs, and approved CG envelope.