Aircraft Weight and Balance Handbook

Purpose and Importance

• Objective: Ensure safe and efficient flight by understanding weight and balance.
• Audience: Airframe and powerplant mechanics (A&P) and flight crew.
• Compliance: Must adhere to 14 CFR regulations.

Handbook Structure

• Preface: Explains weight and balance control and methods to determine empty weight and CG.
• Chapters:
  • Chapter 1: Importance of maintaining aircraft weight and balance parameters.
  • Chapter 2: Theories and calculations related to weight and balance.
  • Chapter 3: Weighing procedures and CG determination.
  • Chapter 4: Light Sport Aircraft specific weight and balance procedures.
  • Chapter 5: Computations for single-engine aircraft.
  • Chapter 6: Computations for multiengine aircraft.
  • Chapter 7: CG changes post-repair or alteration.
  • Chapter 8: Helicopter weight and balance control.
  • Chapter 9: Weight and balance control for commuter and large aircraft.
  • Chapter 10: Using computers for weight and balance computations.

Key Concepts

Weight and Balance Control

• Responsibility: From aircraft designers to pilots.
• Terminology: Importance of using correct terms related to aircraft weight and balance.
• Weight Control: Impacts on aircraft efficiency, performance, and safety.
• CG Calculations: Essential for maintaining aircraft stability.

Weight and Balance Theory

• Basic Principles: Involves arm, moment, and the law of the lever.
• CG Range: Defined by aircraft manufacturers and critical for safe operations.

Weighing Procedures

• Requirements: Aircraft should be weighed periodically or after major changes.
• Equipment: Use of accurate scales (platform or load cell).
• Preparation: Ensure aircraft is in proper condition for weighing (e.g., clean, drainage of unnecessary fluids).

Light Sport Aircraft (LSA)

• Characteristics: Simpler aircraft with specific regulations.
• Weight and Balance: Less restrictive but still critical for safety.

Single and Multiengine Aircraft Computations

• Methods: Use of manual computations, charts, and loading graphs.
• CG Limits: Must be within specific envelopes for safe operation.

CG Changes After Repair/Alteration

• Documentation: Accurate recording of changes in weight and balance.
• Ballast: Can be used to correct CG deviations.

Helicopter Considerations

• Critical Factors: More sensitive to weight and balance changes than airplanes.
• Longitudinal and Lateral CG: Both must be considered.

Commuter and Large Aircraft

• Complex Requirements: Require detailed weight and balance records and calculations.
• Fleet Weight Management: Strategy to maintain consistent weight and balance across multiple aircraft.

Use of Computers

• Efficiency: Electronic calculators and flight computers can simplify complex calculations.

Resources

• Extensive FAA publications and advisory circulars to support understanding and compliance.

Glossary

• Detailed definitions of terms used throughout the handbook to ensure clarity and consistency.

These notes cover the main points and structure of the FAA Weight and Balance Handbook, providing an overview of the critical concepts, procedures, and regulatory compliance related to aircraft weight and balance control.