Aircraft Weight and Balance Concepts

Flashcards covering key concepts of weight and balance in aviation, focusing on definitions, measurements, and regulations.

What is empty weight?

The weight of the airframe, engines, all permanently installed equipment, and unusable fuel.

What is included in the calculation of empty weight?

Undrainable oil or full reservoir of oil, depending on regulations.

What does EWCG stand for?

Empty Weight Center of Gravity.

What is a fuel jettison system?

A subsystem that allows the flight crew to dump fuel in an emergency to lower the aircraft's weight.

What is the purpose of the fuel jettison system?

To help an aircraft meet maximum landing weight before landing.

What does the term 'fulcrum' refer to?

The point about which a lever balances.

What is considered a large aircraft according to 14 CFR part 1?

An aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of more than 12,500 pounds.

What is a small aircraft?

An aircraft weighing 12,500 pounds or less than maximum certificated takeoff weight.

What does lateral balance refer to?

The balance around the roll or longitudinal axis of the aircraft.

What defines the lateral axis?

An axis that runs from wing tip to wing tip.

What does longitudinal balance refer to?

The balance around the pitch or lateral axis of the aircraft.

What does the longitudinal axis represent?

An imaginary line from nose to tail passing through the aircraft's center of gravity.

What is a load cell?

A component in an electronic weighing system that detects weight changes using strain gauges.

What is a platform scale?

A weighing device made of one or two plates to hold items to be weighed.

What is the load factor?

The ratio of the maximum load an aircraft can sustain to the total weight of the aircraft.

What is a moment in terms of physics?

A force that tends to cause an object to rotate, calculated as weight times arm.

What does PAX stand for?

Passengers.

What is potable water in an aircraft?

Water carried for the purpose of drinking.

What is a reduction factor?

A number used to divide a moment to produce a smaller, less error-prone value.

What is residual fuel?

Fuel that remains trapped in the system after draining in level flight attitude.

What is service ceiling?

The highest altitude an aircraft can maintain a steady climb of 100 feet per minute.

What is static load?

The load imposed on an aircraft structure due to the weight of the aircraft and its contents.

What is a station in aviation?

A location along the airplane fuselage expressed in distance from a reference datum.

What is undrainable oil?

Oil that does not drain from an engine lubricating system when the aircraft is on the ground.

What is unusable fuel?

Fuel remaining after a test in accordance with governmental regulations.

What is usable fuel?

The fuel available for flight planning.

What does the moment index represent?

The moment divided by the reduction factor.

How does weight influence the center of gravity?

The weight distribution affects the location and stability of the center of gravity.

Why is knowing empty weight crucial?

It is essential for accurate weight and balance records.

What is the significance of the center of gravity?

It is critical for stability and performance of the aircraft.

How does a fuel jettison system enhance safety?

It allows an aircraft to reduce weight quickly in emergencies.

What are the implications of having residual fuel on aircraft weight?

It contributes to the empty weight count of the aircraft.

In relation to aircraft balance, what does lateral axis control?

Balance around the roll axis.

What main factor does longitudinal axis influence?

Pitch balance of the aircraft.

How do load cells operate?

They use strain gauges to measure weight changes.

What type of surface can a platform scale possess?

Smooth or diamond surface.

In weight calculations, why use a reduction factor?

To minimize mathematical errors.

What happens if undrainable oil is neglected in weight calculations?

It leads to inaccurate empty weight records.

How is static load measured?

From the combined weight of the aircraft and its contents.

Why must fuel jettison capabilities be compliant with regulations?

To ensure the aircraft can still meet climb requirements.

What role does cargo weight play in aircraft stability?

It must be properly balanced to maintain safe flight.

Is potable water considered in the overall empty weight?

Yes, it is included when calculating total weight.

What is the relationship between moments and weights in aircraft?

Moments are used to determine balance in relation to weight distributions.