FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Performance, Weight and BalanceMedium
A pilot is checking the aircraft's weight and balance. The aircraft's empty weight is 1,600 lbs with an empty weight center of gravity (CG) at 82.0 inches aft of the datum. The pilot and passenger weigh a combined 340 lbs at a station of 70 inches. 40 gallons of fuel are loaded at a station of 95 inches, and 80 lbs of baggage are loaded at a station of 120 inches. What is the aircraft's total moment?
- A162,200 in-lbs
- B173,600 in-lbs
- C154,800 in-lbs
- D181,000 in-lbs
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 181,000 in-lbs
To find the total moment, calculate the moment for each component (weight x arm) and then sum them up. Remember fuel weighs 6 lbs/gallon.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect. This value is obtained by an error in calculating one or more moments, or incorrect summation.
- B. Incorrect. This value is obtained by an error in calculating one or more moments, or incorrect summation.
- C. Incorrect. This value is obtained by an error in calculating one or more moments, or incorrect summation.
Total Aircraft Moment
The sum of the moments of all individual weight items in an aircraft, calculated by multiplying each item's weight by its arm.
- Moment = Weight × Arm.
- Used to determine the aircraft's center of gravity (CG).
- Calculated for empty weight, pilot, passengers, fuel, and baggage.
Memory trick: Sum all Moments: Each weight times its arm, then add them all.