Subject area C of 12
Weight and Balance
5-10% of the A&P General test, about 3 to 6 of the 60 questions. The FAA's test standard lists 10 knowledge elements and 5 risk management elements for this area. Here is every one, plus sample questions to try.
What the FAA tests
From the aviation mechanic test standard, FAA-S-ACS-1.
Knowledge: what you must know
- AM.I.C.K1Weight and balance terminology.
- AM.I.C.K2Purpose for weighing an aircraft.
- AM.I.C.K3Weighing procedures, including the general preparations for weighing, with emphasis on aircraft weighing area considerations.
- AM.I.C.K4Procedures for calculation of the following: arm, positive or negative moment, center of gravity (CG), or moment index.
- AM.I.C.K5Purpose and application of weight and CG limits.
- AM.I.C.K6Purpose of determining CG.
- AM.I.C.K7Adverse loading considerations and how to calculate if adverse loading causes an out-of-limit condition.
- AM.I.C.K8Determine proper empty weight configuration.
- AM.I.C.K9Proper ballast placement.
- AM.I.C.K10Jacking an aircraft.
Risk management: hazards you must be able to spot and manage
- AM.I.C.R1Situations and conditions when jacking an aircraft.
- AM.I.C.R2Aircraft weighing procedures.
- AM.I.C.R3Use of scales.
- AM.I.C.R4Aerodynamic effect of CG that is forward or aft of CG limits.
- AM.I.C.R5Aerodynamic and performance effects of weight in excess of limits.
Try a sample question
Weight and Balance ยท AM.I.C.K1
An airplane's equipment list gives the arm of the battery box as -22.0 inches. Where is the battery box?
Practice all of weight and balance
The full course has questions on every element listed here, with an explanation and FAA source for each.