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Drag penalty of nose-heavy loading

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 9 of 25 on Weight and Balance. ACS element AM.I.C.R3 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONAn airplane is loaded so that it is extremely nose heavy, requiring higher than normal tail forces to hold level flight. What effect does this have in cruise?

  1. ALess drag, because the tail surfaces now carry part of the lift load
  2. BMore drag, requiring more power and fuel to hold airspeed
  3. CNo change, since the trim tab absorbs the added force
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. More drag, requiring more power and fuel to hold airspeed

  • A — incorrect The extra tail force adds drag rather than reducing it; the airplane becomes less efficient.
  • B — correct The handbook explains that the higher than normal forces at the tail create additional drag, which requires additional engine power and therefore additional fuel flow to maintain airspeed.
  • C — incorrect Trim only relieves control pressure; the aerodynamic force at the tail, and its drag, are still present.

BACKGROUND

Improper loading reduces the efficiency of an aircraft in terms of ceiling, maneuverability, rate of climb, speed, and fuel consumption. If an airplane is loaded so that it is extremely nose heavy, higher than normal forces are exerted at the tail to keep it in level flight. Those higher tail forces create additional drag, which requires additional engine power and therefore additional fuel flow to maintain airspeed. The most efficient condition is for the balance point to fall close to the center of lift so that little or no control force is needed.

STUDY TIP

Follow the chain: nose heavy, more tail force, more drag, more power, more fuel.

KEY POINTS

  • Nose-heavy loading needs higher tail forces in level flight.
  • Extra tail force creates extra drag.
  • More power and fuel flow are needed to hold airspeed.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch06 "Introduction"
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.