FAA FAA Private Pilot (PPL): Weight & Balance Questions
34 exam-style Weight & Balance questions for the FAA FAA Private Pilot (PPL) paper (PPL · IR · CPL · ATP). The first 12 are free below with answers and explanations — sign up free to practise all of them with progress tracking.
-
Q1
A wing has a mean aerodynamic chord (MAC) of 80 inches, with the leading edge of the MAC located at station 100. If the centre of gravity is at station 126.6, what is the CG position expressed as a percentage of MAC?
- A 33.25%
- B 30%
- C 37.5%
Show answer
Correct answer: A. 33.25%
-
Q2
An airplane has a total weight of 2,000 lb and a total moment of 84,400 lb-in about the datum. What is the centre-of-gravity location?
- A 39.3 inches
- B 42.2 inches
- C 45.7 inches
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 42.2 inches
-
Q3
An aircraft has a basic empty weight of 1,362 kg and is loaded with 933 kg of payload and 300 kg of fuel. What is its take-off weight?
- A 2875 kg
- B 1362 kg
- C 2595 kg
Show answer
Correct answer: C. 2595 kg
-
Q4
The certificated CG range is 22.0 to 30.0 inches. After computing the loading, the total weight is 1,800 lb and the total moment is 42,480 lb-in. Is the flight within limits, and where is the CG?
- A We can take off, the C.G. it is at 23.6 inch
- B We can take off, the C.G. it is at 28.8 inch
- C We can't take off, the C.G. it is at 20.5 inch
Show answer
Correct answer: A. We can take off, the C.G. it is at 23.6 inch
-
Q5
Which combination of loading conditions results in the lowest stall speed and the greatest longitudinal stability?
- A Decreased weight and forward CG
- B Increased weight and aft CG
- C Increased weight and forward CG
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Decreased weight and forward CG
-
Q6
Why must baggage and cargo be properly secured before flight?
- A Avoid an excess of G forces during maneuvers
- B Prevent CG movement during flight
- C Prevent unwanted CG movements during flight
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Prevent unwanted CG movements during flight
-
Q7
Which of the following is a direct effect of operating an airplane at a lighter gross weight?
- A Higher stall speed
- B Lower stall speed
- C Longer range
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Lower stall speed
-
Q8
Before refueling the aircraft has a weight of 1425 lb. and the total moments are 145,000" aft of datum. You ass 345 lb of fuel on the aircraft. The effective arm is 109" aft of the datum. Calculate the new CG position
- A 81.9" aft of datum
- B 103.2" aft of datum
- C 107.2" aft of datum
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 103.2" aft of datum
-
Q9
Your airplane has a maximum takeoff weight of 4.500 lbs. You have filled up your fuel tanks, and your family all have brought too much luggage, making the total weight go up to 4.830 lbs. Can you take off under this conditions?
- A If the runway is long enough to get airborne, it is allowed
- B You are not allowed to take off
- C You must inform the ATC and they have to give you the final permission
Show answer
Correct answer: B. You are not allowed to take off
-
Q10
An aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of 1,000 kg, an empty weight of 660 kg, and carries 200 kg of fuel. What is the maximum payload that may be carried?
- A 140 kg
- B 207 kg
- C 317 kg
Show answer
Correct answer: A. 140 kg
-
Q11
Which expression represents the relationship between moment (M), force (F), and arm or distance (d)?
- A M = F / d
- B d = M / F
- C d = F × M
Show answer
Correct answer: A. M = F / d
-
Q12
What does the forward center-of-gravity limit represent?
- A The imaginary plane defined by the manufacturer from where the moments are measured and the CG is placed
- B The most advanced position of the CG
- C The imaginary plane defined by the manufacturer from where the arms or distances are measured used to calculate the moments of the CG
Show answer
Correct answer: B. The most advanced position of the CG
The full bank
22 more Weight & Balance questions in the full bank
Create a free account to practise every Weight & Balance question with instant scoring, chapter tests, previous FAA papers and full-length mock exams.
More FAA FAA Private Pilot (PPL) topics