Weigh and Balance Terminology

Balance Limits Calcilation : Aft CG Limit

The aft CG limit is the most rearward
position at which the CG can be located for
the most critical maneuver or operation. As
the CG moves aft, a less stable condition
occurs, which decreases the ability of the
aircraft to right itself after maneuvering or
turbulence.
For some aircraft, both fore and aft CG
limits may be specified to vary as gross
weight changes. They may also be
changed for certain operations, such as
acrobatic flight, retraction of the landing
gear, or the installation of special loads and
devices that change the flight
characteristics.
Weigh and Balance Terminology
Balance Limits Calcilation : Forward CG Limit
The forward CG limit is often established at a
location that is determined by the landing
characteristics of an aircraft. During landing, one
of the most critical phases of flight, exceeding
the forward CG limit may result in excessive
loads on the nosewheel, a tendency to nose
over on tailwheel type airplanes, decreased
performance, higher stalling speeds, and higher
control forces.
A restricted forward CG limit is also specified to
assure that sufficient elevator/control deflection
is available at minimum airspeed. When
structural limitations do not limit the forward CG
position, it is located at the position where full-up
elevator/control deflection is required to obtain a
high AOA for landing.
Weigh and Balance Terminology
Balance Limits Calcilation : CG Range
CG range is the distance between the
forward and aft CG limits indicated on
pertinent aircraft specifications
For some aircraft, a center of gravity
range is given for the aircraft in the empty
weight condition. This practice is not very
common with airplanes, but is often done
for helicopters.

CG Range Data on TCDS

 Weigh and Balance Terminology
Use of Relevant Documents : AMM
Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) is
A manual developed by the manufacturer
of a particular airplane that contains
information necessary for the continued
airworthiness of that airplane.

Before doing the weighing and balancing

on the aircraft, we can read the data and
steps taken on the AMM aircraft to be used.
 Weigh and Balance Terminology
Use of Relevant Documents : TCDS
The TCDS is a document that contains important
information about operating limitations, applicable
regulations, and other restrictions. Before an aircraft
CG can be computed, certain information must be
known. This information, furnished by the FAA for
every certificated aircraft in the Type Certificate Data
Sheets (TCDS) or Aircraft Specifications
Some of the important weight and
balance information found in a Type
Certificate Data Sheet is as follows:
1. Center of gravity range
2. Maximum weight
3. Leveling means
4. Number of seats and location
5. Baggage capacity

TCDS
 Weigh and Balance Terminology
Use of Relevant Documents : Miscellaneous
Documents
Miscellaneous Documents Other documents are
also needed to support weighing. Like the Weigh
and Balance Report, which is a document made
based on data that has been taken previously to be
a reference when weighing will be done again.
The weight and balance report is also used if there
are changes in aircraft equipment that make the
weight and balance change

Weigh and Balance Report Format

 Preparation of
Aircraft For
Weighing
Paperwork
See use on relevant documents
Before doing anything in aircraft maintenance,
including weighing, read every instruction
available from the documents that are on the
aircraft, and are still relevant such as AMM,
TCDS, etc. Read every detail of the document
carefully so that nothing undesirable happens.

TCDS
 Preparation of
Aircraft For
Weighing
Jacking
Extra care must be used when raising an aircraft on jacks for
weighing. If the aircraft has spring steel landing gear and it
is jacked at the wheel, the landing gear will slide inward as
the weight is taken off of the tire, and care must be taken to
prevent the jack from tipping over
For some aircraft, stress panels or plates must be installed
before the aircraft is raised with wing jacks to distribute the
weight over the jack pad. Be sure to follow the
recommendations of the aircraft manufacturer in detail anytime
an aircraft is jacked. When using two wing jacks, take special
care to raise them simultaneously, keeping the aircraft so it
does not slip off the jacks. As the jacks are raised, keep the
safety collars screwed down against the jack cylinder to prevent
the aircraft from tilting if one of the jacks should lose hydraulic
pressure.
Jack Point
Preparation of
Aircraft For
Weighing
Leveling
When an aircraft is weighed, it must be in its level fligh
attitude so that all of the components are at their correct
distance from the datum. When weighing from the
wheels, leveling is normally done by adjusting the air
pressure in the nosewheel shock strut.
• Longitudinal Level
placing the spirit level on two pegs or on the heads
of two partially withdrawn screws on the side of the
fuselage and
• Lateral Level
placing the spirit level on the centre-section spar
boom (or other nominated position) and again
adjusting the jacks or tyre pressures until the level
is centred.

Point to be dropped by plumb bob
Point on the floor dropped by plumb bob
Symmetry line to be measured
Line to be measured on the floor
(Ground Line)
Line projected by plumb bob
(Plumb Bob Line)
Preparation of
Aircraft For
Weighing
Symmetry Check
Symmetry check is an inspection to see how the
aircraft’s individual components are positioned in
relationship to each other.
The aim and methods, the aim of symmetry check is to
check the symmetry of aircraft by means of direct
measuring with tape or by dropping plumb bob and
marking and measuring method.
Symmetry Check Procedure
1. Draw Ground Triangle Landing Gear Position (nose,
left main-wheel and right main-wheel)
2. Draw aircraft axis system
3. Drop by plumb bob all leveling points
4. Measure all component’s positions to symmetry as
per AMM and Process Chart/Work Order.