Factory weight and balance

[jaylw314]

31 minutes ago, DonMuncy said:

Like I said, "unless you are a mathematical genius...."  

Yes, in a sense I understand, but it is still difficult. And yes, it would be a little easier to calculate if the datum was in front of the plane, rather than somewhere near the panel like Mooney does it.

Having the datum point farther back just makes the numbers smaller and easier to calculate  

[Hank]

2 hours ago, DonMuncy said:

Like I said, "unless you are a mathematical genius...."  

Yes, in a sense I understand, but it is still difficult. And yes, it would be a little easier to calculate if the datum was in front of the plane, rather than somewhere near the panel like Mooney does it.

It's basic freshman engineering, a class called "statics" [versus "dynamics" when the plane is moving].

The short body planes use the nose gear knuckle for Zero; mid and long bodies adjust this location to account for fuselage stretching, so that Zero is in t he same location relative to the pilot seat. Distance from Zero for many things is given in the TCDS for your model.

Multiply everything out, change signs on those things in front of Zero [engine changes, prop, oil, my battery on the firewall, etc] and add them up for total moment; divide by empty weight for Empty CG. Easy!

Edited September 18, 2019 by Hank