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  • Chapter 6: Weight and Balance › Weight › Weight Limitations

    Maximum Gross Weight The maximum weight of the helicopter is referred to its maximum gross weight. Most helicopters have an internal maximum gross weight, which refers to the weight within the helicopter structure and an external maximum gross weight, which ... refers to the weight of the helicopter with an external load. The external maximum weight may vary depending on where it is attached to the helicopter. Some large cargo helicopters may have several attachment points for sling load or winch…

  • Chapter 6: Weight and Balance › Weight

    Weight When determining if a helicopter is within the weight limits, consider the weight of the basic helicopter, crew, passengers, cargo, and fuel. Although the effective weight (load factor) varies during maneuvering flight, this chapter primarily addresses the weight ... loaded helicopter while at rest. It is critical to understand that the maximum allowable weight may change during the flight. When operations include out of ground effect (OGE) hovers and confined areas, planning must be done to ensure that…

  • Chapter 5: Aerodynamics of Flight › Weight and Balance › Effect of Weight on Flight Performance

    Effect of Weight on Flight Performance The takeoff/climb and landing performance of an aircraft are determined on the basis of its maximum allowable takeoff and landing weights. A heavier gross weight results in a longer takeoff run and shallower climb ... clear an obstacle that normally would not be a problem during takeoff under more favorable conditions. The detrimental effects of overloading on performance are not limited to the immediate hazards involved with takeoffs and landings. Overloading has an adverse effect…

  • Chapter 10: Weight and Balance › Balance, Stability, and Center of Gravity › Stability

    Effects of Adverse Balance Adverse balance conditions affect flight characteristics in much the same manner as those mentioned for an excess weight condition. It is vital to comply with weight and balance limits established for all aircraft. Operating above ... maximum weight limitation compromises the structural integrity of the aircraft and can adversely affect performance. Stability and control are also affected by improper balance. Stability Loading in a nose-heavy condition causes problems in controlling and raising the nose, especially…

  • Chapter 11: Aircraft Performance › Takeoff and Landing Performance › Landing Performance

    item that alters the landing speed or deceleration rate during the landing roll affects the landing distance. The effect of gross weight on landing distance is one of the principal items determining the landing distance. One effect of an increased ... gross weight is that a greater speed is required to support the aircraft at the landing AOA and lift coefficient. For an example of the effect of a change in gross weight, a 21 percent increase in landing weight requires…

  • Chapter 10: Weight and Balance › Control › Management of Weight and Balance Control

    location. The assignment of seats to passengers can also be used as a means of obtaining a favorable balance. If an aircraft is tail heavy, it is only logical to place heavy passengers in forward seats. Fuel burn can also ... example, most small aircraft carry fuel in the wings very near the CG and burning off fuel has little effect on the loaded CG. Management of Weight and Balance Control Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations…