Brunei DCA CPL(A) Mass & Balance Exam study plan

Define and distinguish mass, weight, load, and balance arm, and state the SI and aviation units used for each.

Explain the datum, balance arm, and moment, and compute the moment for a given mass and arm in at least five practice problems.

Locate the centre of gravity (CG) of a two-mass system using the formula CG = (m1×d1 + m2×d2) / (m1 + m2).

Convert between arm measured from datum and arm measured from a reference point, and verify with a table of at least ten conversions.

Solve ten CG problems that require calculating the CG as a percentage of mean aerodynamic chord (%MAC) given leading-edge and MAC dimensions.

Calculate the new CG after adding, removing, or moving a mass, using the moment-change method, for at least eight scenarios.

Define MTOM, MLM, MZFM, and MRW, and state the relationship between them and the structural and performance limits.

Explain how MZFM is derived from the zero-fuel mass and why it limits payload plus crew and baggage.

Solve five problems that determine the maximum allowable payload given MTOM, MLM, MZFM, and MRW constraints.

Identify which limit governs in a given loading scenario and justify the answer in one sentence.

Reproduce a standard load sheet layout from memory, labelling all mass and moment columns.

Compute the mass and moment for each load category: empty aircraft, crew, passengers, baggage, cargo, fuel, and oil.

Calculate take-off mass, take-off CG, zero-fuel mass, and zero-fuel CG, and verify against the envelope.

Convert CG from arm to %MAC and plot the take-off and zero-fuel points on a provided envelope diagram.

Complete three full load sheets from given data, showing all arithmetic and final checks.

Explain the difference between a load sheet and a trim sheet, and state the purpose of each.

Calculate the effect of fuel burn on mass and CG, including the change in moment as fuel is consumed.

Determine the fuel index or fuel moment from a provided table and apply it to a trim calculation.

Solve five problems that require adjusting payload distribution to bring the CG within limits after fuel loading.

Describe the effect of cargo density and floor loading limits on distribution, and calculate floor load for three cargo items.

Explain how mass affects take-off distance, climb rate, cruise speed, and landing distance, and state the direction of each effect.

Explain how CG position affects stall speed, stability, and control authority, and describe the consequences of forward and aft CG.

Calculate the change in take-off distance for a given percentage increase in mass using a provided sensitivity factor.

Solve four problems that require determining the maximum allowable take-off mass for a given runway and conditions.

Interpret a payload-range diagram and determine the payload available at a given range and mass limit.

Derive the maximum payload from the MTOM, MLM, MZFM, and MRW limits for five aircraft loading scenarios.

Explain the operational meaning of MRW and how it differs from MTOM and MLM.

Calculate the landing mass and landing CG after a flight with fuel burn and compare with MLM and the landing envelope.

Identify the limiting mass for a given route and justify the choice with reference to all four limits.

Solve three problems that require trading payload for fuel while respecting MZFM and MTOM.

List the documents required for mass and balance: load sheet, trim sheet, balance chart, and last-minute change procedure.

Explain the regulatory requirement for mass and balance control and the responsibility of the commander and the loading supervisor.

Describe the last-minute change procedure and calculate the effect of a last-minute change on mass and CG.

Complete a load sheet and trim sheet under time pressure (30 minutes) with no arithmetic errors.

State the retention period and distribution requirements for load sheets according to typical civil aviation regulations.

Complete two full-length mock examinations under timed conditions, covering all domains.

Review every incorrect answer and write a corrected solution with the underlying principle.

Re-derive the key formulas from memory: CG, %MAC, moment change, and maximum payload.

Identify the three weakest topics from the mock results and complete five targeted practice problems for each.

Summarise the regulatory and documentation requirements in a one-page revision sheet.