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Tare weight of a leveling jack

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 7 of 25 on Weight and Balance. ACS element AM.I.C.R2 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONTo level a tail-dragger for weighing, a jack is placed on the tail scale and used to raise the tail. How is the weight of the jack treated?

  1. AAs tare weight, subtracted from the scale reading
  2. BAs part of the empty weight, since the airplane rests on it during weighing
  3. CAs an addition to the scale reading to obtain the net weight
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. As tare weight, subtracted from the scale reading

  • A — correct The handbook calls the extra weight of support equipment on the scale, such as a jack used to raise the tail, tare weight, and it must be subtracted from the scale reading.
  • B — incorrect Empty weight includes only what is installed in the aircraft; support equipment on the scale is tare, not aircraft weight.
  • C — incorrect Tare weight is subtracted from, not added to, the scale reading to obtain the net weight.

BACKGROUND

When aircraft are weighed, support equipment is sometimes needed on the scales. To level a tail-dragger, a jack might be placed on the scale to raise the tail, and the scale then absorbs the weight of the jack as well as the airplane. This extra weight is known as tare weight and must be subtracted from the scale reading. Other examples of tare weight are wheel chocks placed on the scales and ground locks left in place on retractable landing gear. In the six-column weighing chart, each scale reading has a tare column and a net weight column.

STUDY TIP

Anything on the scale that is not part of the aircraft is tare; subtract it before computing moments.

KEY POINTS

  • Tare weight is support equipment weight read by the scale.
  • Examples: leveling jack, chocks, gear ground locks.
  • Subtract tare from each scale reading to get net weight.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch06 "Tare Weight"
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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.