Airplane Weight & Balance

Written by Jack on May 31st, 2008
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Objective: To familiarize the student with the effects of weight and location of center of gravity on flight characteristics and to teach the student to calculate the weight and balance data for the aircraft he is flying.
Content:
  • Effects of weight on flight performance
  • Effects of weight on airplane structure
  • Effects of weight on stability and controllability
  • Effects of load distribution
    • Forward CG is “heavier” and thus slower
    • In general, controllability decreases with reward moving CG
      • CG limit within 1 inch of maximum for spin recovery for Normal category, several inches for Utility
      • Flat spin
    • Effect of long moment arms on controllability
  • Weight and Balance calculation

See PHAN C. 8

See aircraft AFM/POH

Completion Standards: The lesson is complete when the instructor determines that the student has adequate knowledge of weight and balance by giving a written or oral exam and having the student calculate weight and balance for a given situation.
 

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