What document is used to verify load distribution and center of gravity limits when carrying external cargo?

What document is used to verify load distribution and center of gravity limits when carrying external cargo?

• A. Pilot's mental estimation
• B. Flight plan alone
• C. Weight sheets only
• D. Load diagrams

Answer: (D)

When carrying external cargo, you must verify how the total weight is distributed and where the center of gravity ends up. The document used for this is the load diagram. It maps the allowable weight and center-of-gravity range for the helicopter in a given configuration, showing how much external load you can carry and where its placement will shift the CG. To use it, you add up the aircraft’s basic weight, internal payload, crew, fuel, and the external load’s weight and moment. Then you locate the resulting center of gravity on the diagram for the current fuel and configuration. If that point lies inside the permitted envelope, you’re within limits; if not, you must adjust the load, fuel, or ballast to bring the CG back inside limits. Other options don’t provide the CG envelope or account for how an external load shifts balance, so they can’t reliably verify safe load distribution.

When carrying external cargo, you must verify how the total weight is distributed and where the center of gravity ends up. The document used for this is the load diagram. It maps the allowable weight and center-of-gravity range for the helicopter in a given configuration, showing how much external load you can carry and where its placement will shift the CG.

To use it, you add up the aircraft’s basic weight, internal payload, crew, fuel, and the external load’s weight and moment. Then you locate the resulting center of gravity on the diagram for the current fuel and configuration. If that point lies inside the permitted envelope, you’re within limits; if not, you must adjust the load, fuel, or ballast to bring the CG back inside limits.

Other options don’t provide the CG envelope or account for how an external load shifts balance, so they can’t reliably verify safe load distribution.