FAA Aviation Mechanic General (AMG)Aircraft Drawings, Weight and BalanceMedium
A technician preparing to weigh an aircraft for a new weight and balance report positions a spirit level on a predetermined leveling point and adjusts jacks until the bubble is centered. What is the primary purpose of this leveling step?
- ATo measure the aircraft's total wingspan accurately
- BTo verify the aircraft's fuel tanks are completely empty before weighing
- CTo confirm the landing gear struts are correctly serviced with nitrogen
- DTo ensure the aircraft's arms are measured relative to a truly horizontal reference plane
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. To ensure the aircraft's arms are measured relative to a truly horizontal reference plane
Leveling the aircraft ensures that all arm measurements used in weight and balance calculations are referenced to a true horizontal plane, which is essential for accurate moment and CG computations. Leveling has nothing to do with fuel state, strut servicing, or wingspan measurement.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Wingspan measurement is not part of the weight and balance leveling process.
- B. Fuel state is addressed separately and noted, not the purpose of leveling.
- C. Strut servicing is unrelated to the leveling procedure for weight and balance.
Aircraft Leveling for Weighing
The process of positioning an aircraft so it is level both longitudinally and laterally, using a plumb bob or spirit level at manufacturer-specified points, to ensure accurate weight and balance data.
- Leveling establishes a true horizontal reference for arm measurements
- Manufacturer specifies leveling points and method (plumb bob or level)
- Must be done before recording scale readings for W&B
Memory trick: Level it first, or every arm measurement afterward is a lie