Weight and Balance Flashcards

What is the 'datum' used in aircraft weight and balance calculations?

Answer: An imaginary vertical plane from which all arm measurements are taken

The datum is an imaginary vertical reference plane chosen by the manufacturer from which all horizontal distances (arms) are measured for weight and balance purposes.

How is 'moment' calculated in weight and balance?

Answer: Weight multiplied by arm

Moment equals weight multiplied by arm (Moment = Weight × Arm), and it represents the turning force of that weight about the datum.

What does an aircraft's 'empty weight' typically include?

Answer: Airframe, engine, unusable fuel, and full engine oil

Standard empty weight includes the airframe, engines, all permanently installed equipment, unusable fuel, and full engine oil as specified in the POH.

What is 'useful load'?

Answer: The maximum gross weight minus the basic empty weight

Useful load is the difference between maximum allowable gross weight and the aircraft's basic empty weight, representing what the pilot can add (fuel, passengers, cargo).

What happens to aircraft handling if the center of gravity (CG) is located too far forward?

Answer: The aircraft becomes nose-heavy and requires excessive back pressure to rotate

A forward CG makes the aircraft nose-heavy, requiring more elevator back pressure to maintain level flight and to rotate for takeoff, which can make rotation difficult.

Where is the weight and balance data specific to your aircraft found?

Answer: Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) / Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)

Aircraft-specific weight and balance data, including empty weight, CG location, and loading limits, is found in the Pilot's Operating Handbook or Airplane Flight Manual for that specific aircraft.

What is the standard weight used for aviation gasoline (avgas) in weight and balance calculations?

Answer: 6 pounds per gallon

Aviation gasoline (avgas) is standardly assumed to weigh 6 pounds per gallon for weight and balance calculations.