EASA 031 Mass & Balance

It is a multiple-choice knowledge test delivered under the authority's part-66 examination arrangements. Each question has one correct option and no partial credit. Confirm the current number of questions, time allowed and pass mark with the official aviation authority or your approved training organisation, since these figures are set and updated by them.

Most candidates find the concepts straightforward but the arithmetic unforgiving. Questions are rarely conceptually deep; they punish unit slips, wrong sign conventions and misread tables. If you can complete moment calculations accurately and quickly, and explain each mass limit in one sentence, the module becomes manageable rather than hard.

Yes, but understand them first. Know that moment equals mass times arm, that CG equals total moment divided by total mass, and how to handle a load shift or a mass change at a known station. Derive each formula once from a simple numerical example, then practise until you can apply it without hesitation.

Careless calculation rather than missing knowledge: mixing kilograms and pounds, forgetting to convert fuel volume to mass using density, using the wrong datum direction, or accepting an answer outside the CG envelope. A second frequent error is confusing maximum structural masses with performance-limited masses. Slow down, write the table, and check the result.

Start with definitions and units, then structural and performance limits, because later calculations assume them. Move to CG limits and their aerodynamic effects, then weighing and empty mass determination. Spend most time on moment calculations, load shifting and fuel burn. Finish with documentation, hold loading limits and fuel density, which are largely recall.

Retake rules, waiting periods and any limits on attempts are set by the licensing authority, not by training providers. Check the current regulations on the authority's website or ask your examination centre before booking. Do not rely on second-hand accounts of how many attempts are permitted.

Allow enough to work through several full sets of numerical problems, not just reading. Most candidates need repeated practice with loading tables, nomograms and CG envelopes before the routine becomes automatic. Track your error types; when you stop making unit and direction mistakes, you are close to ready.

Where a question depends on tabulated or graphical data, the necessary information is provided within the question itself. You are not expected to recall an individual aircraft's loading manual. Practise reading such data quickly, because extracting the right row or curve under time pressure is where marks are lost.

Mass & Balance is a knowledge requirement within the Part-66 syllabus and supports later practical tasks such as weight and balance checks and load sheet verification. The depth you need depends on your licence category and ratings, so confirm the applicable appendix with your training organisation.