Mass & Balance

Difficulty: Low-MediumExam Weight: Medium

Overview

Mass & Balance covers aircraft weight definitions, center of gravity calculations, load manifests, and the effects of CG position on aircraft performance and handling. This is one of the more calculation-heavy subjects but is also one of the easiest to score well on with proper practice.

Key Topics

Weight definitions (BEW, DOW, ZFW, TOW, LW, MLW, MTOW)
Center of gravity calculation methods
CG limits and the CG envelope
Effects of CG position on stability and performance
Load and trim sheets
Cargo loading and restraint
Fuel loading and CG shift during flight
Floor loading limits
Mean Aerodynamic Chord (MAC) calculations

Study Tips

Practice calculations until they are automatic — this is a high-scoring subject

Memorize weight definitions and their relationships

Understand why forward CG increases stability but reduces performance

Work through load sheet exercises with real aircraft data

Know the MAC percentage calculation method cold

Sample Questions

1. Moving the CG forward will have what effect on stall speed?

A. Decrease stall speed

B. Increase stall speed✓ Correct

C. No effect on stall speed

D. Depends on aircraft type

2. Zero Fuel Weight (ZFW) is defined as:

A. Aircraft weight with no fuel and no payload

B. Aircraft weight with payload but no usable fuel✓ Correct

C. Maximum takeoff weight minus fuel weight

D. Dry operating weight plus crew weight

3. A CG that is aft of the rear limit will result in:

A. Increased stability

B. Decreased stall speed

C. Reduced controllability and possible instability✓ Correct

D. Improved fuel efficiency

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