Number of questions in exam: 25
Exam duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Pilot Theory Online difficulty rating: Medium
Mass and balance is the first of three similar subjects that are grouped into 'flight performance and planning'. It's other partners in crime are performance and flight planning and monitoring. It's quite a short exam with only 25 questions; however, a few nasty calculation-based questions mean we put it into the medium difficulty category.
Purpose of Mass and Balance Considerations
The primary purpose of mass and balance considerations is to ensure the aircraft is operated within its design limitations. This guarantees safe flight, optimal performance, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Key Points:
Safety and Stability: Maintaining mass and balance within limits prevents dangerous conditions such as stalls or uncontrollable pitch/roll tendencies.
Aircraft Performance: Proper weight distribution ensures fuel efficiency, climb performance, and manageable control surfaces.
Regulatory Compliance: Authorities like EASA require adherence to weight and balance parameters for certification and operations.
Loading
Loading involves the proper distribution of weight in an aircraft to maintain its centre of gravity (CG) within permissible limits. Careful planning ensures no part of the aircraft is overburdened or improperly balanced.
Key Points:
Load Sheet Preparation: Pilots and ground crews use load sheets to calculate total weight and verify CG positioning.
Passenger and Fuel Distribution: Strategic seating arrangements and fuel tank selection play critical roles in achieving balance.
Overloading Risks: Overloading affects performance metrics like takeoff distance, climb rate, and structural integrity.
Mass and Balance Details of Aircraft
Understanding the specifics of mass and balance for a particular aircraft model is essential for safe operations. Key details include the maximum takeoff weight (MTOW), operational empty weight (OEW), and CG range.
Key Points:
MTOW and MLW: The maximum takeoff and landing weights define the aircraft's operational envelope.
OEW and Payload: Operational Empty Weight includes the aircraft, crew, and essential equipment, while payload comprises passengers, cargo, and fuel.
CG Limits: Each aircraft's flight manual specifies permissible forward and aft CG boundaries to avoid instability or control issues.
Determination of CG Position
The centre of gravity (CG) determines the aircraft's balance and flight characteristics. Calculating CG position involves mathematical methods and tools to verify it falls within specified limits.
Key Points:
Moment and Arm Calculations: The CG is determined by dividing the total moment by the total weight, with each load's moment calculated as its weight multiplied by its arm (distance from the reference point).
CG Envelope: Aircraft performance charts show allowable CG ranges for different weights.
Tools and Software: Pilots use load calculators or software for precise and efficient CG calculations.
Cargo Handling
Proper cargo handling is integral to maintaining aircraft balance, preventing damage, and ensuring flight safety. It includes securing cargo, adhering to load limits, and considering weight distribution.
Key Points:
Securing Cargo: Prevents shifts during flight that could dangerously alter CG or cause damage.
Compartmental Weight Limits: Ensures individual cargo areas are not overloaded to prevent structural stress.
Hazardous Materials: Strict regulations govern the transport of dangerous goods, requiring special handling and documentation.
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