How do airline pilots calculate weight and balance?

Ascertain from the pilot’s operating handbook the empty weight of the aircraft and determine the weights of people, baggage, and fuel. Multiply each weight by the arm—the distance from the reference datum—to find the moment. Add all the weights to find the gross weight. Add all the moments to find the total moment.

How does an airplane fly with so much weight?

A plane’s engines are designed to move it forward at high speed. That makes air flow rapidly over the wings, which throw the air down toward the ground, generating an upward force called lift that overcomes the plane’s weight and holds it in the sky.

What makes an aircraft fuel efficient?

Efficiency is increased with better aerodynamics and by reducing weight, and with improved engine BSFC and propulsive efficiency or TSFC. An airline efficiency depends on its fleet fuel burn, seating density, air cargo and passenger load factor, while operational procedures like maintenance and routing can save fuel.

Why do airplanes use so much fuel?

From small airplanes like the Cessna to large twin-engine jets like the Airbus A380, all combustion-powered airplanes require fuel to operate. Like combustion-powered automobiles, they burn fuel to create the power needed to achieve and maintain a safe flying speed.

What is aircraft weight?

Weight is the force generated by the gravitational attraction of the earth on the airplane. Aerodynamic forces are mechanical forces and the airplane has to be in physical contact with the the air which generates the force.

What is the fuel consumption of an aircraft?

Aircraft Fuel Consumption – Estimation and Visualization Task for a Projectaccording to university regulations. Background “3.85 liters per 100 passenger kilometers” – this was Lufthansa Group’s specific fuel consumption in 2016, averaged over short-haul and long-haul flights.

What are the weight limitations of general aviation airplanes?

The weight limitations of some general aviation airplanes do not allow for all seats to be filled, for the baggage compartment to be filled to capacity and for a full load of fuel as well. It is necessary, in this case, to choose between passengers, baggage and full fuel tanks.

Why do airlines use expensive materials to make their planes?

Weight. Expensive materials may be used if the reduction of mass justifies the price of materials through improved fuel efficiency over the aircraft’s lifetime. Any improvements in fuel efficiency reduce the amount of fuel an aircraft must carry, which reduces the take-off weight of the aircraft and provides further gains in fuel efficiency.

How can we reduce the take off weight of an aircraft?

An aircraft weight can be reduced with light-weight materials such as titanium, carbon fiber and other composite plastics if the expense can be recouped over the aircraft’s lifetime. Fuel efficiency gains reduce the fuel carried, reducing the take-off weight for a positive feedback.