Weighing the Aircraft and Determining the EWCG

Center of Gravity (CG) In addition to overloading or drastically reducing the aircraft’s weight, the distribution of weight is also a concern. When aircraft equipment is changed, the person making the equipment change must make an entry on the equipment list indicating items added, removed, or relocated; the date of the change; and the person’s

The location of the datum is not important, but all measurements must be made from the same location. Datum Forward of the Main Wheels—Tailwheel Landing Gear Locating the CG of a tailwheel airplane is done in the same way as locating it for a nosewheel airplane except the formula is The distance (D) between the

A chart such as the one in Figure 1 helps the pilot visualize the weights, arms, and moments when solving an EWCG problem, but it is quicker to determine the EWCG by using formulas and an electronic calculator. The use of a calculator for solving these problems is described in Section 8, Use of Computers

When the aircraft is in its level flight attitude, drop a plumb line from the datum and make a mark on the hangar floor below the tip of the bob. Draw a chalk line through this point parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. Then, draw lateral lines between the actual weighing points for

In general, weight procedures may vary with the aircraft and types of weight equipment employed. The weighing procedure contained in the manufacturer’s maintenance manual should be followed for each particular aircraft. The major considerations in preparing an aircraft for weighing are described in the following paragraphs. Scale Preparation Mechanical and electronic scales shall be inspected

Requirements Regulations do not require periodic weighing of privately owned and operated aircraft. Such aircraft are usually weighed when originally certificated or after major alterations that can affect the weight and balance. The primary purpose of aircraft weight and balance control is safety. Manufacturers conduct extensive flight tests to establish loading limits for their aircraft