SkyDrill

Weighing point for helicopter skids

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 24 of 25 on Weight and Balance. ACS element AM.I.C.R1 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA skid-equipped helicopter is to be weighed with its skids resting directly on floor scales. How can the technician establish a known point of weight transfer?

  1. ADrop a plumb bob from the rotor mast to mark the skid center
  2. BMeasure to the midpoint of the skid's contact area with the scale
  3. CPlace a piece of pipe between each skid and the scale
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Place a piece of pipe between each skid and the scale

  • A — incorrect A plumb bob is used to measure arms and level the helicopter, but it does not change where the skid transfers weight to the scale.
  • B — incorrect With the skid in contact with the entire top of the scale, it is impossible to know exactly where the center of weight transfer occurs.
  • C — correct The handbook says to place a piece of pipe between the skid and the scale so that the center of the pipe becomes the known point of weight transfer.

BACKGROUND

When an aircraft is weighed, the arms must be known for the points where its weight is transferred to the scales. For a tricycle-gear airplane on floor scales, transfer happens through the center of each wheel axle; on jacks, it is through the center of the jack pad. A helicopter skid contacts the entire top of a scale, making it impossible to know where the weight transfer is centered. Placing a piece of pipe between the skid and the scale makes the center of the pipe the known transfer point, and the arm is then the distance from that point to the datum.

STUDY TIP

Every weighing point needs a definable center; when the contact area is long, create a point with a pipe.

KEY POINTS

  • Weighing arms are measured from each weight transfer point to the datum.
  • Skids on scales have no definable transfer point.
  • A pipe under the skid makes its center the transfer point.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch06 "Weighing Points"
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.