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How is the center of gravity of a loaded airplane calculated?
Choices
Total weight divided by total moment
The ratio is inverted; CG is moment divided by weight.
✓ Total moment divided by total weightcorrect
Dividing the summed moments by the summed weights yields the CG in inches aft of datum.
Total moment multiplied by total weight
Multiplying does not yield a distance.
Empty weight subtracted from gross weight
That yields useful load, not CG.
Why
The CG is the total moment divided by the total weight, expressed in inches aft of the reference datum.
FAA source: FAA-H-8083-1 Ch. 4browse the reference library →
This is taught in Weight and Balance Fundamentals — study the lessons free, then practice with grading and mastery tracking.
Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question.