PPL PPL Weight and Balance 3

Question 1

An aircraft has a total weight of 2,400 pounds and a total moment of 192,000 pound-inches. What is the CG location from the datum?

Accepted Answer

80 inches

Answer

CG = Total Moment ÷ Total Weight = 192,000 ÷ 2,400 = 80 inches from the datum.

Question 2

When an aircraft is loaded to its maximum certificated gross weight compared to a lighter load, what typically occurs?

Accepted Answer

Stall speed increases and climb rate decreases

Answer

At maximum gross weight, the wings must generate more lift, which requires a higher angle of attack and therefore a higher stall speed; the increased weight also reduces climb performance.

Question 3

As fuel is burned during a flight, how does CG location change?

Accepted Answer

CG shifts in a direction that depends on the fuel tank location relative to the aircraft CG

Answer

As fuel burns, the CG shifts toward or away from its current position depending on whether the fuel tanks are located ahead of or behind the current CG.

Question 4

In weight and balance terminology, 'arm' refers to what measurement?

Accepted Answer

The horizontal distance from the datum to the item or station

Answer

Arm is the horizontal distance measured in inches from the datum to the item, station, or center of a compartment, and it determines the leverage of that weight about the datum.

Question 5

If you load 50 pounds of baggage at a station located 120 inches aft of the datum, what moment does this item contribute?

Accepted Answer

6,000 pound-inches

Answer

Moment = Weight × Arm = 50 lbs × 120 inches = 6,000 pound-inches.

(PPL) Private Pilot Licence Practice Test

(PPL) Private Pilot Licence Practice Test

PPL PPL Weight and Balance 3