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Brunei DCA CPL(A) Mass & Balance Exam study materials
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Brunei DCA CPL(A) Mass & Balance Exam practice questions

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Question 1Mass and Balance Fundamentals and Definitions

In mass and balance terminology, what does the term 'empty mass' of an aircraft normally include?

  1. The airframe and engines only, with all removable equipment excluded
  2. The aircraft plus usable fuel, but excluding crew and passengers
  3. The airframe, engines, systems, unusable fuel and all fixed equipment, but not usable fuel, crew or payload Correct answer.
  4. The aircraft plus crew, passengers and baggage, but excluding fuel

Explanation

Empty mass covers the structure, powerplants, systems, fixed equipment and unusable fuel, but excludes usable fuel, oil, crew, passengers and removable payload. It forms the baseline from which operating and take-off masses are built up.

Question 2Mass and Balance Fundamentals and Definitions

What is meant by the maximum zero-fuel mass of an aircraft?

  1. The maximum mass of payload that may be carried in the cabin
  2. The maximum mass permitted for landing at the destination
  3. The maximum mass permitted at the start of the take-off run
  4. The maximum mass permitted with fuel tanks containing no usable fuel Correct answer.

Explanation

Maximum zero-fuel mass is the highest mass allowed when usable fuel is excluded, so it limits the combined mass of structure, crew and payload. It protects the wing and fuselage structure from excessive bending loads without the relieving effect of fuel in the wings.

Question 3Mass and Balance Fundamentals and Definitions

Which statement best defines the centre of gravity of a loaded aircraft?

  1. The point on the wing where lift is assumed to be concentrated
  2. The datum point from which all longitudinal distances are measured
  3. The point through which the total weight of the aircraft is considered to act Correct answer.
  4. The geometric centre of the fuselage measured from the nose

Explanation

The centre of gravity is the point at which the combined weight of the aircraft and its contents is considered to act. Its position determines the balance of moments about the aerodynamic centre and therefore affects stability and control.

Question 4Mass and Balance Fundamentals and Definitions

What is the purpose of the datum in mass and balance calculations?

  1. To identify the point at which the aircraft is weighed
  2. To provide a fixed reference plane from which all longitudinal arms are measured Correct answer.
  3. To mark the aft limit of the permitted centre of gravity range
  4. To indicate the aerodynamic centre of the wing

Explanation

The datum is an arbitrary but fixed vertical reference plane from which all longitudinal arms are measured. Because arms are measured from a fixed plane, moments remain consistent regardless of how the aircraft is loaded.

Question 5Mass and Balance Fundamentals and Definitions

What does the 'arm' of an item represent in a mass and balance calculation?

  1. The horizontal distance from the datum to the item's centre of gravity Correct answer.
  2. The maximum load permitted at that station
  3. The mass of the item multiplied by its distance from the datum
  4. The vertical height of the item above the cabin floor

Explanation

An arm is the horizontal distance measured from the datum to the centre of gravity of the item concerned. Multiplying the mass by the arm gives the moment, which is used to locate the overall centre of gravity.

Question 6Mass and Balance Fundamentals and Definitions

Which of the following items is classified as disposable load?

  1. The engines and propellers
  2. Passengers and their baggage Correct answer.
  3. The aircraft's fixed avionics equipment
  4. Unusable fuel in the tanks

Explanation

Disposable load is everything that can be removed or varied between flights, such as crew, passengers, baggage, cargo and usable fuel. It is added to the empty mass to obtain the operating or take-off mass.

Question 7Mass and Balance Fundamentals and Definitions

An aircraft has an empty mass of 900 kg with an arm of 2.00 m, and a payload of 300 kg at an arm of 3.00 m. What is the combined moment about the datum?

  1. 2400 kg·m
  2. 1800 kg·m
  3. 2700 kg·m Correct answer.
  4. 3600 kg·m

Explanation

Moment equals mass multiplied by arm, so the empty aircraft contributes 900 × 2.00 = 1800 kg·m and the payload contributes 300 × 3.00 = 900 kg·m. Adding them gives a total moment of 2700 kg·m.

Question 8Mass and Balance Fundamentals and Definitions

An aircraft has a total mass of 1200 kg and a total moment of 3600 kg·m about the datum. What is the centre of gravity position?

  1. 3.00 m aft of the datum Correct answer.
  2. 4.32 m aft of the datum
  3. 2.40 m aft of the datum
  4. 0.33 m aft of the datum

Explanation

The centre of gravity position is found by dividing the total moment by the total mass. Here 3600 kg·m divided by 1200 kg gives 3.00 m from the datum.

Question 9Mass and Balance Fundamentals and Definitions

A load of 150 kg is moved aft by 0.50 m on an aircraft of total mass 1500 kg. By how much does the centre of gravity shift?

  1. 0.05 m aft Correct answer.
  2. 0.50 m aft
  3. 0.33 m aft
  4. 0.15 m aft

Explanation

The centre of gravity shift equals the mass moved multiplied by the distance moved, divided by the total mass. Thus 150 × 0.50 = 75 kg·m, and 75 divided by 1500 gives 0.05 m aft.

Question 10Mass and Balance Fundamentals and Definitions

Which loading action will move the centre of gravity of an aircraft forward?

  1. Removing mass from a station aft of the current centre of gravity Correct answer.
  2. Adding fuel to a tank located behind the current centre of gravity
  3. Moving mass from a forward station to an aft station
  4. Adding mass at a station aft of the current centre of gravity

Explanation

Removing mass from behind the centre of gravity reduces the aft moment, so the combined centre of gravity moves forward. Conversely, adding mass aft or moving mass aft shifts the centre of gravity rearward.

Question 11Mass and Balance Fundamentals and Definitions

What does the maximum take-off mass of an aircraft represent?

  1. The highest mass at which the aircraft may touch down
  2. The highest mass permitted with usable fuel excluded
  3. The highest mass permitted for taxiing only
  4. The highest mass at which the aircraft may begin the take-off run Correct answer.

Explanation

Maximum take-off mass is the greatest mass at which the aircraft is permitted to start the take-off run. It is a structural and performance limit that includes fuel, payload and crew.

Question 12Mass and Balance Fundamentals and Definitions

Why can the maximum landing mass of an aircraft be lower than its maximum take-off mass?

  1. Because fuel is denser at landing than at take-off
  2. Because the landing gear and structure are designed for a lower touchdown load than the take-off case Correct answer.
  3. Because passengers are assumed to have left the aircraft
  4. Because the centre of gravity range is narrower on landing

Explanation

The landing case imposes different structural loads on the gear and airframe, so the certified landing mass may be less than the take-off mass. If a flight is planned to land above this value, fuel must be burned or offloaded before touchdown.

Question 13Mass and Balance Fundamentals and Definitions

A flight is planned with a take-off mass of 4100 kg and a trip fuel of 400 kg. The maximum landing mass is 3600 kg. What is the maximum permissible take-off mass if no fuel may be dumped?

  1. 4100 kg
  2. 3700 kg
  3. 3600 kg
  4. 4000 kg Correct answer.

Explanation

The landing mass equals the take-off mass minus the fuel used, so the take-off mass must not exceed maximum landing mass plus trip fuel. Here 3600 + 400 gives a limit of 4000 kg, which is below the planned 4100 kg.

Question 14Mass and Balance Fundamentals and Definitions

What is the significance of the forward centre of gravity limit?

  1. It ensures sufficient elevator authority to flare and rotate Correct answer.
  2. It ensures the aircraft does not become too stable in pitch
  3. It limits the maximum payload that can be carried
  4. It prevents the tail from striking the ground on rotation

Explanation

The forward limit is set so that the elevator can still rotate the aircraft at take-off and flare for landing with the available control authority. Loading ahead of this limit may make the aircraft uncontrollable in pitch.

Question 15Mass and Balance Fundamentals and Definitions

What is the significance of the aft centre of gravity limit?

  1. It guarantees sufficient elevator authority to rotate
  2. It limits the maximum fuel that can be carried
  3. It prevents the nose from pitching down on take-off
  4. It ensures adequate static and dynamic pitch stability Correct answer.

Explanation

The aft limit protects pitch stability, since a centre of gravity too far aft reduces the restoring moment and can cause loss of control. It also ensures the aircraft remains controllable in the flare.

Question 16Mass and Balance Fundamentals and Definitions

What does the term 'basic mass' mean in some mass and balance systems?

  1. The mass of the aircraft with full fuel and oil
  2. The empty mass plus the mass of the operator's specific equipment items Correct answer.
  3. The mass of the aircraft at the start of the take-off run
  4. The mass of the aircraft at touchdown

Explanation

Basic mass is a defined term used in some systems for the empty mass plus specific operator items such as crew and operational equipment. It provides a standardised baseline for the operator's loading schedule.

Question 17Mass and Balance Fundamentals and Definitions

Which term describes the mass of an aircraft with all operating items and usable fuel but no payload?

  1. Empty mass
  2. Landing mass
  3. Operating mass Correct answer.
  4. Zero-fuel mass

Explanation

Operating mass includes the empty mass plus crew, unusable fuel, oil and other operating items, and in some definitions usable fuel. It excludes payload and forms the basis for adding traffic load.

Question 18Mass and Balance Fundamentals and Definitions

An aircraft has a mass of 1000 kg with its centre of gravity at 2.00 m from the datum. A 200 kg load is added at an arm of 3.50 m. What is the new centre of gravity position?

  1. 2.00 m
  2. 2.75 m
  3. 2.25 m Correct answer.
  4. 2.50 m

Explanation

The initial moment is 1000 × 2.00 = 2000 kg·m and the added load contributes 200 × 3.50 = 700 kg·m. The total moment of 2700 kg·m divided by the new mass of 1200 kg gives 2.25 m.

Question 19Mass and Balance Fundamentals and Definitions

Why is the position of the centre of gravity expressed as a percentage of the mean aerodynamic chord?

  1. Because it converts mass into an equivalent wing area
  2. Because it eliminates the need for a datum in calculations
  3. Because it relates the balance point directly to the wing's aerodynamic reference length Correct answer.
  4. Because it allows fuel mass to be ignored

Explanation

Expressing the centre of gravity as a percentage of the mean aerodynamic chord ties the balance point to a standard aerodynamic reference. This makes limits comparable between aircraft and directly relevant to stability calculations.

Question 20Mass and Balance Fundamentals and Definitions

What is the effect on the centre of gravity of burning fuel from a tank located ahead of the centre of gravity?

  1. The centre of gravity moves forward as the flight progresses
  2. The centre of gravity remains unchanged throughout the flight
  3. The centre of gravity moves aft as the flight progresses Correct answer.
  4. The centre of gravity moves aft only during descent

Explanation

Fuel burned from a forward tank removes mass ahead of the centre of gravity, reducing the forward moment. The remaining centre of gravity therefore moves aft, which is why in-flight limits must be checked.

Question 21Aircraft Mass Limitations (MTOM, MLM, MZFM, MRW)

Which mass limit is defined as the maximum mass of the aeroplane, including all equipment and contents, for which the aeroplane is certified for operation?

  1. Maximum Zero-Fuel Mass
  2. Maximum Landing Mass
  3. Maximum Take-Off Mass Correct answer.
  4. Maximum Ramp Mass

Explanation

Maximum Take-Off Mass (MTOM) is the highest mass at which the aeroplane is certified to commence the take-off run, and it is the fundamental structural and performance limit for departure. All other mass limits must be checked so that MTOM is never exceeded at brake release.

Question 22Aircraft Mass Limitations (MTOM, MLM, MZFM, MRW)

What does the Maximum Zero-Fuel Mass (MZFM) represent?

  1. The maximum mass permitted at touchdown
  2. The maximum mass of the aeroplane with no usable fuel on board Correct answer.
  3. The maximum mass of fuel that may be loaded
  4. The maximum mass permitted on the parking apron

Explanation

MZFM is the maximum permissible mass of the aeroplane with usable fuel excluded, so it limits the combined mass of structure, crew, payload and unusable fuel. It protects the wing root bending and fuselage loading in the absence of fuel mass relief.

Question 23Aircraft Mass Limitations (MTOM, MLM, MZFM, MRW)

Maximum Landing Mass (MLM) is best described as which of the following?

  1. The maximum mass of fuel burned during a flight
  2. The maximum mass at which the aeroplane may land Correct answer.
  3. The maximum mass of traffic load carried
  4. The maximum mass at which the aeroplane may start take-off

Explanation

MLM is the structural and performance limit for the mass at touchdown, and it is normally lower than MTOM. If the planned landing mass exceeds MLM, fuel must be burned off or offloaded before arrival.

Question 24Aircraft Mass Limitations (MTOM, MLM, MZFM, MRW)

Which limit is normally the highest of the four principal structural mass limits?

  1. Maximum Zero-Fuel Mass
  2. Maximum Take-Off Mass
  3. Maximum Ramp Mass Correct answer.
  4. Maximum Landing Mass

Explanation

Maximum Ramp Mass (MRW) is the greatest of the limits because it includes the fuel that will be used for start-up and taxi. MTOM is lower by the taxi fuel allowance, and MLM and MZFM are generally lower still.

Question 25Aircraft Mass Limitations (MTOM, MLM, MZFM, MRW)

An aeroplane has MZFM 1200 kg and MTOM 1900 kg. What is the maximum mass of usable fuel that may be carried when the zero-fuel mass is exactly 1200 kg?

  1. 500 kg
  2. 1200 kg
  3. 700 kg Correct answer.
  4. 1900 kg

Explanation

With the zero-fuel mass at its limit, the remaining margin to MTOM is the maximum fuel that may be loaded. Subtracting 1200 kg from 1900 kg gives 700 kg.

Question 26Aircraft Mass Limitations (MTOM, MLM, MZFM, MRW)

Which mass must be subtracted from Maximum Ramp Mass to obtain the take-off mass limit available at brake release?

  1. The mass of the landing fuel
  2. The mass of the crew
  3. The mass of the baggage
  4. The fuel used for start-up and taxi Correct answer.

Explanation

Ramp mass is measured before start-up, so the fuel burned during start and taxi reduces the mass by the time the aircraft reaches the runway. Only that taxi allowance separates MRW from the permissible take-off mass.

Question 27Aircraft Mass Limitations (MTOM, MLM, MZFM, MRW)

What is the definition of dry operating mass?

  1. The mass of the aeroplane structure only
  2. The total mass of the aeroplane ready for a specific operation, excluding usable fuel and traffic load Correct answer.
  3. The mass of the aeroplane with full fuel but no payload
  4. The total mass of the aeroplane including usable fuel and traffic load

Explanation

Dry operating mass comprises the empty mass plus crew, crew baggage, catering, potable water and other operator items, but excludes usable fuel and traffic load. It is the starting point for building up the mass and balance schedule.

Question 28Aircraft Mass Limitations (MTOM, MLM, MZFM, MRW)

Traffic load is obtained by subtracting which two masses from the take-off mass?

  1. Operating mass and fuel mass Correct answer.
  2. Landing mass and fuel mass
  3. Zero-fuel mass and crew mass
  4. Ramp mass and taxi fuel

Explanation

Take-off mass equals operating mass plus fuel plus traffic load, so traffic load is the take-off mass minus operating mass and fuel mass. This relationship is the basis of load sheet arithmetic.

Question 29Aircraft Mass Limitations (MTOM, MLM, MZFM, MRW)

An aeroplane has a dry operating mass of 1000 kg, take-off fuel of 300 kg and a traffic load of 400 kg. What is the take-off mass?

  1. 2000 kg
  2. 1300 kg
  3. 1700 kg Correct answer.
  4. 1400 kg

Explanation

Take-off mass is the sum of dry operating mass, take-off fuel and traffic load. Adding 1000, 300 and 400 kg gives 1700 kg, which must then be compared with MTOM and MZFM.

Question 30Aircraft Mass Limitations (MTOM, MLM, MZFM, MRW)

Take-off mass is 1650 kg and the trip fuel is 200 kg. If MZFM is 1300 kg, which statement is correct?

  1. MZFM is exactly met
  2. MZFM cannot be assessed without the landing mass
  3. MZFM is satisfied with 150 kg to spare
  4. MZFM is exceeded by 150 kg Correct answer.

Explanation

Zero-fuel mass is take-off mass minus take-off fuel, giving 1450 kg. Comparing 1450 kg with the 1300 kg limit shows an excess of 150 kg, so payload or fuel must be reduced.

Question 31Aircraft Mass Limitations (MTOM, MLM, MZFM, MRW)

An aircraft lands with 180 kg of fuel on board and a landing mass of 1750 kg. What is its zero-fuel mass at landing?

  1. 1750 kg
  2. 180 kg
  3. 1570 kg Correct answer.
  4. 1930 kg

Explanation

Zero-fuel mass is the mass with usable fuel removed, so 180 kg is subtracted from the 1750 kg landing mass. The result, 1570 kg, must not exceed MZFM.

Question 32Aircraft Mass Limitations (MTOM, MLM, MZFM, MRW)

An aeroplane must land with a mass no greater than MLM. Which action is appropriate when the planned landing mass exceeds MLM?

  1. Land with a lower flap setting to raise MLM
  2. Reduce mass by burning off or offloading fuel before landing Correct answer.
  3. Increase the approach speed to compensate
  4. Recalculate using MTOM instead of MLM

Explanation

MLM is a structural limit that cannot be changed by procedure, so the only compliant solution is to reduce the actual mass at touchdown. Burning off or offloading fuel before arrival achieves this.

Question 33Aircraft Mass Limitations (MTOM, MLM, MZFM, MRW)

Which combination of limits must be satisfied at the moment of brake release for take-off?

  1. MTOM, MZFM and the performance-limited take-off mass Correct answer.
  2. MLM and MZFM only
  3. MZFM and MRW only
  4. MRW and MLM only

Explanation

At brake release the aircraft must comply with the structural MTOM, the MZFM and any lower performance-limited mass derived from field length, climb and obstacle requirements. The lowest of these governs the permissible take-off mass.

Question 34Aircraft Mass Limitations (MTOM, MLM, MZFM, MRW)

What is the regulated landing mass used for when checking landing performance?

  1. Always equal to MRW
  2. Always equal to MZFM
  3. The lesser of MTOM and MLM Correct answer.
  4. The greater of MTOM and MLM

Explanation

For landing performance the regulated landing mass is the lower of MTOM and MLM, because the aircraft cannot be dispatched at a mass above either limit. Using the lesser value ensures both structural constraints are respected.

Question 35Aircraft Mass Limitations (MTOM, MLM, MZFM, MRW)

An operator wishes to carry extra payload. Which change would increase the permitted traffic load without exceeding any structural limit?

  1. Increasing the taxi fuel allowance
  2. Reducing take-off fuel within the MTOM margin Correct answer.
  3. Landing with more fuel on board
  4. Increasing the ramp mass above MRW

Explanation

Traffic load is limited by whichever of MTOM or MZFM is reached first. If MTOM is the limiting case, reducing fuel frees mass that can be converted into payload while remaining within the limit.

Question 36Aircraft Mass Limitations (MTOM, MLM, MZFM, MRW)

Dry operating mass is 1100 kg, take-off fuel 250 kg, trip fuel 180 kg, traffic load 350 kg, MTOM 1750 kg and MZFM 1300 kg. Which limit is exceeded?

  1. No limit is exceeded
  2. MLM is exceeded by 180 kg
  3. MTOM is exceeded by 50 kg
  4. MZFM is exceeded by 150 kg Correct answer.

Explanation

Take-off mass is 1100 + 250 + 350 = 1700 kg, which is below MTOM. Zero-fuel mass is 1700 - 250 = 1450 kg, which exceeds the 1300 kg MZFM by 150 kg.

Question 37Aircraft Mass Limitations (MTOM, MLM, MZFM, MRW)

Why is the maximum zero-fuel mass usually lower than the maximum take-off mass?

  1. Because the landing gear is retracted at take-off
  2. Because fuel is heavier than payload
  3. Because fuel in the wings relieves wing root bending, so less structural strength is needed when fuel is absent Correct answer.
  4. Because the engines produce less thrust when fuel is low

Explanation

With fuel in the wings, part of the lift load is carried by the fuel mass, which reduces bending at the wing root. Without that relief the structure can support less total mass, so MZFM is set below MTOM.

Question 38Aircraft Mass Limitations (MTOM, MLM, MZFM, MRW)

Where would an operator normally find the certified values of MTOM, MLM, MZFM and MRW for a particular aeroplane?

  1. In the maintenance schedule
  2. In the aircraft flight manual Correct answer.
  3. In the operator's route manual only
  4. On the load sheet

Explanation

The certified mass limits are published in the aircraft flight manual, which is the approved source for the type. Load sheets are derived documents, not the source of the limits.

Question 39Aircraft Mass Limitations (MTOM, MLM, MZFM, MRW)

An aeroplane with MTOM 2000 kg and MRW 2050 kg plans a taxi burn of 40 kg. What is the maximum mass permitted on the ramp?

  1. 2090 kg
  2. 1960 kg
  3. 2000 kg Correct answer.
  4. 2050 kg

Explanation

The take-off mass must not exceed MTOM, so the ramp mass is capped at MTOM plus the taxi allowance, giving 2040 kg. This is below MRW of 2050 kg, so MTOM governs and the ramp limit is 2000 kg plus 40 kg of taxi fuel, meaning the take-off mass limit of 2000 kg applies at brake release.

Question 40Aircraft Mass Limitations (MTOM, MLM, MZFM, MRW)

An aircraft has MZFM 1250 kg, MTOM 1800 kg and a dry operating mass of 1050 kg. What is the greatest traffic load that can be carried with 400 kg of take-off fuel?

  1. 350 kg
  2. 550 kg
  3. 200 kg Correct answer.
  4. 400 kg

Explanation

With 400 kg of fuel, MTOM allows a zero-fuel mass of 1400 kg, but MZFM caps it at 1250 kg. The traffic load is therefore 1250 minus 1050, giving 200 kg.

Question 41Aircraft Mass Limitations (MTOM, MLM, MZFM, MRW)

An aeroplane takes off at 1780 kg with 220 kg of take-off fuel and burns 150 kg before landing. If MLM is 1700 kg, what is the situation at landing?

  1. Landing mass is 1630 kg, which is within MLM Correct answer.
  2. Landing mass is 1700 kg, exactly at MLM
  3. Landing mass is 1780 kg, exceeding MLM
  4. Landing mass is 1560 kg, which is within MLM

Explanation

Landing mass equals take-off mass minus trip fuel, so 1780 minus 150 gives 1630 kg. This is below the 1700 kg MLM, so the landing is compliant.

Question 42Aircraft Mass Limitations (MTOM, MLM, MZFM, MRW)

Two aeroplanes have the same MTOM but different MZFMs. Which statement best explains why the one with the higher MZFM can carry more payload when fuel is limited?

  1. Its fuel tanks are larger
  2. Its landing gear is stronger
  3. Its structure permits a greater mass without fuel, leaving more of the MTOM margin available for traffic load Correct answer.
  4. Its engines are more efficient at high mass

Explanation

When fuel is not the limiting factor, payload is bounded by MZFM. A higher MZFM allows a greater zero-fuel mass, so more of the MTOM margin can be used for traffic load.

Question 43Aircraft Mass Limitations (MTOM, MLM, MZFM, MRW)

An aeroplane has MRW 2100 kg, MTOM 2050 kg and a planned taxi burn of 60 kg. What is the maximum permissible take-off mass?

  1. 2050 kg
  2. 2100 kg
  3. 2040 kg Correct answer.
  4. 1990 kg

Explanation

The ramp mass is capped by MRW at 2100 kg, and after a 60 kg taxi burn the mass at brake release would be 2040 kg. This is below MTOM of 2050 kg, so the ramp limit governs and the take-off mass is 2040 kg.

Question 44Aircraft Mass Limitations (MTOM, MLM, MZFM, MRW)

An aeroplane has a basic empty mass of 900 kg, crew 150 kg, unusable fuel 10 kg and no other operator items. What is the dry operating mass?

  1. 1050 kg
  2. 1060 kg Correct answer.
  3. 900 kg
  4. 1040 kg

Explanation

Dry operating mass includes the empty mass, crew and unusable fuel, so 900 + 150 + 10 gives 1060 kg. Usable fuel and traffic load are excluded at this stage.

Question 45Aircraft Mass Limitations (MTOM, MLM, MZFM, MRW)

Which statement about the relationship between Maximum Landing Mass and Maximum Take-Off Mass is correct?

  1. MLM is always equal to MTOM
  2. MLM is normally lower than MTOM because the landing structure and performance case is more restrictive Correct answer.
  3. MLM is always higher than MTOM
  4. MLM is independent of the aeroplane structure

Explanation

The landing case, including gear loads and landing field length, is generally more restrictive than the take-off case, so MLM is normally set below MTOM. The two limits are certified separately for each type.

Question 46Aircraft Mass Limitations (MTOM, MLM, MZFM, MRW)

Which mass is defined as the maximum mass at which an aeroplane may be parked on the apron and begin taxiing for departure?

  1. Maximum take-off mass
  2. Maximum zero-fuel mass
  3. Maximum landing mass
  4. Maximum ramp mass Correct answer.

Explanation

Maximum ramp mass (MRW) is the certified limit that applies on the ramp before engine start and taxi. It is always equal to or greater than MTOM, because the taxi burn reduces mass before brake release. MTOM, MZFM and MLM apply at other points in the flight and do not govern the parked condition.

Question 47Aircraft Mass Limitations (MTOM, MLM, MZFM, MRW)

An aeroplane has MTOM 2300 kg, MRW 2360 kg and a planned taxi fuel of 25 kg. What is the greatest mass permitted at brake release?

  1. 2300 kg Correct answer.
  2. 2325 kg
  3. 2335 kg
  4. 2360 kg

Explanation

The take-off mass must satisfy both the MTOM and the MRW less the taxi burn. Here MRW minus taxi fuel gives 2335 kg, but MTOM of 2300 kg is the lower figure, so MTOM governs. The binding limit is therefore 2300 kg, not the ramp-derived value.

Question 48Aircraft Mass Limitations (MTOM, MLM, MZFM, MRW)

An aeroplane has MZFM 1400 kg and MLM 1500 kg. On a flight where the landing mass is planned to equal the take-off mass, which limit restricts the take-off mass?

  1. MTOM only, because MZFM applies at landing
  2. MLM of 1500 kg
  3. MZFM of 1400 kg Correct answer.
  4. Neither limit, since only MTOM applies

Explanation

When the landing mass equals the take-off mass, the fuel burned in flight is zero, so the zero-fuel mass equals the take-off mass. MZFM of 1400 kg is then the lower of the two figures and governs. MLM of 1500 kg is less restrictive in this case.

Question 49Aircraft Mass Limitations (MTOM, MLM, MZFM, MRW)

An aeroplane has MTOM 1900 kg, MZFM 1550 kg, dry operating mass 1150 kg and take-off fuel 300 kg. What is the greatest traffic load that may be carried?

  1. 450 kg
  2. 750 kg
  3. 400 kg Correct answer.
  4. 300 kg

Explanation

The traffic load must satisfy both the MTOM and the MZFM. Against MTOM, the allowance is 1900 minus 1150 minus 300, giving 450 kg. Against MZFM, the allowance is 1550 minus 1150, giving 400 kg, which is the lower value and therefore governs.

Question 50Aircraft Mass Limitations (MTOM, MLM, MZFM, MRW)

An aeroplane has MTOM 2100 kg, MRW 2150 kg, MZFM 1600 kg and MLM 1700 kg. The planned sector uses 300 kg of take-off fuel, of which 250 kg is trip fuel, and the planned traffic load is 400 kg. Which limit is most likely to restrict the payload?

  1. MZFM Correct answer.
  2. MRW
  3. MLM
  4. MTOM

Explanation

With a high fuel load, the zero-fuel mass becomes the critical case because fuel is added on top of the payload. The gap between MZFM and MTOM is 500 kg, which is larger than the 300 kg of take-off fuel, so MZFM is reached before MTOM. MRW only exceeds MTOM by the taxi allowance and MLM is checked at landing with much less fuel, so neither is likely to bind first.