Thoroughly understand how to compute an accurate weight and balance for the particular aircraft to be flown. Understand how weight and balance will affect aircraft handling and performance. Understand all the terms relating to weight and balance. Commit to setting personal limitations to always fly within weight and balance limitations.
Display a board with a fulcrum. Add objects to both sides and explain how objects of different weight can be balanced. Use this throughout the lesson to define arm, moment, etc.
The pilot must be aware of weight and balance conditions because it will change flight characteristics of the aircraft. The pilot can also make change to the configuration most advantageous to the situation.
Describe and define weight and balance.
Determine significant effects it will have on performance and controllability of the aircraft.
Define all the terms relating to weight and balance.
Perform an actual realistic calculation.
Identify unsafe weight scenarios and what could be done to remedy the situation.
Log
Ground Training:
- 61.105(b)(9) Weight and balance computations;
Development: What is weight and balance?
- Stable versus unstable
- Why is it important to compute a weight and balance for every flight?
- Affects handling characteristics of the aircraft
- Affects performance
- May affect the structural integrity
- May exceed manufacturer’s limitations
- Could create hazardous outcomes
Definitions: PHAK 9-5
- Arm — the horizontal distance, in inches, from the reference datum to the center of gravity of an item.
- Basic empty weight — standard empty weight plus the weight of optional equipment installed on the aircraft.
- Center of gravity (CG) — the point about which an aircraft would balance if it were possible to suspend it there; the aircraft’s mass center.
- CG limits — the specified forward and aft points within which the CG must be located during flight, as given in the aircraft’s specifications.
- CG range — the distance between the forward and aft CG limits.
- Datum (reference datum) — an imaginary vertical plane or line from which all measurements of arm are taken; its location is set by the manufacturer.
- Delta ∆ — a Greek letter used to indicate a change in values — for example, ∆CG for a shift in center of gravity.
- Floor load limit — the maximum weight the aircraft’s floor can sustain per square inch or square foot, as specified by the manufacturer.
- Fuel load — the expendable part of the aircraft’s load — the weight of the usable fuel only.
- Licensed empty weight — the aircraft as built, with unusable fuel and undrainable oil but without engine oil or usable fuel; an older standard rarely used today.
- Standard empty weight — the airframe, engine(s), permanently installed equipment, unusable fuel, and full operating fluids, including full engine oil.
- Moment — the product of an item’s weight multiplied by its arm; a measure of its tendency to cause rotation.
- Moment index — a moment divided by a constant (such as 100, 1,000, or 10,000) used to simplify weight and balance computations.
- Payload — the weight of occupants, cargo, and baggage.
- Standard weights (these weights should not be used if actual weights are available):
- Gasoline — 6 lb/US gal
- Jet A, Jet A-1 — 6.8 lb/US gal
- Jet B — 6.5 lb/US gal
- Oil — 7.5 lb/US gal
- Water — 8.35 lb/US gal
How do I compute weight and balance?
- FAA Weight and Balance Handbook
- AFM/POH chapter 6 is always weight and balance
- Do a full weight and balance calculation with the aircraft to be flown
- Explain the chart
- What if you were overweight in your calculation?
- Take less luggage
- Less fuel
- Move bags around?
- Recalculate weight and balance after moving/removing fuel/items
NEVER OPERATE OUTSIDE THE ENVELOPE FOR ANY REASON
Conclusion and Evaluation:
Knowing the weight of your aircraft is important and should alter
the way you fly. Performing the weight and balance calculation for every flight
is critical to operating safely within the envelope. Decide now to never
operate outside the recommendations of the manufacturer.