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Helicopter Flying Handbook

FAA-H-8083-21B Version 2019
All Library Documents FAA Source

Chapter 6

Weight and Balance

Figure 6-2. When making weight and balance computations, always use actual weights if they are available, especially if the helicopter is loaded near the weight and balance limits.
Figure 6-2. When making weight and balance computations, always use actual weights if they are available, especially if the helicopter is loaded near the weight and balance limits.

The lateral reference datum is usually located at the center of the helicopter. The location of the reference datum is established by the manufacturer and is defined in the RFM. [Figure 6-4]

Chapter Summary

This chapter discusses the importance of computing the weight and balance of the helicopter. The chapter also discusses the common terms and meanings associate with weight and balance.

Figure 6-3. Examples of horizontal reference datum locations and positive or negative helicopter weight-and-balance moments.
Figure 6-3. While the horizontal reference datum can be anywhere the manufacturer chooses, some manufacturers choose the datum line at or ahead of the most forward structural point on the helicopter, in which case all moments are positive. This aids in simplifying calculations. Other manufacturers choose the datum line at some point in the middle of the helicopter, in which case moments produced by weight in front of the datum are negative and moments produced by weight aft of the datum are positive.
Figure 6-4. The lateral reference datum is located longitudinally through the center of the helicopter; therefore, there are positive and negative values.
Figure 6-4. The lateral reference datum is located longitudinally through the center of the helicopter; therefore, there are positive and negative values.