SkyDrill

Primary purpose of weighing an aircraft

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 1 of 25 on Weight and Balance. ACS element AM.I.C.K1 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONWhat is the most important reason for weighing an aircraft?

  1. ATo find its empty weight and where it balances when empty
  2. BTo verify the maximum weight approved in the Type Certificate Data Sheet
  3. CTo confirm the CG range published by the manufacturer
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. To find its empty weight and where it balances when empty

  • A — correct The handbook states that the most important reason for weighing an aircraft is to find its empty weight (basic empty weight) and its empty weight center of gravity.
  • B — incorrect Maximum weight is a certification limit set by the manufacturer and published in the TCDS; it is not something weighing determines.
  • C — incorrect The CG range is a published limit from the TCDS. Weighing finds where the aircraft actually balances, not the allowable range.

BACKGROUND

Every FAA type-certificated aircraft receives a weight and balance report identifying its empty weight and empty weight center of gravity (EWCG). The most important reason for placing an aircraft on scales is to determine that empty weight and EWCG. All other weight and balance work, including loading for flight, equipment-change calculations, and adverse-condition checks, begins from those two values. The pilot or dispatcher cannot compute the loaded weight and CG without them.

STUDY TIP

Remember that weighing produces the empty weight and EWCG; the maximum weight and CG range come from the TCDS, not from the scales.

KEY POINTS

  • Weighing finds empty weight and EWCG.
  • All later W&B calculations start from those values.
  • Maximum weight and CG range are TCDS limits, not weighing results.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch06 "Procedures for Weighing an Aircraft - General Concepts"
  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch06 "Empty Weight Center of Gravity (EWCG)"
Practice the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) test →Timed 60-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
MORE ON WEIGHT AND BALANCE

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-30B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General, 14 CFR part 43 and part 65. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.