03 429 FM Weight and Balance
03 429 FM Weight and Balance
No distribution, modification, display, or use other than for evaluation of The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago,
Helicopter Request for Proposal for the supply of Four (4) Light Twin-Turbine Helicopters and other services for the National Operations Centre (NOC) Air Division
dated September 2014 is permitted. Bell Helicopter shall not be responsible for any liability incurred as a result of modification of the content herein.
Table of Contents
Weighing ........................................................................................................................................... 9
Calculations ...................................................................................................................................... 15
Review ............................................................................................................................................... 22
WARNING - This document contains technical data whose export is restricted by the Arms Export Control Act (Title 22, U.S.C., Sec 2751,
et. seq.) or the Export Administration Act of 1979, as amended, Title 50, U.S.C., App. 2401 et. seq. Violations of the export laws are
subject to severe criminal penalties. Disseminate in accordance with provisions of DoD Directive 5230.25.
Copyright 2014 Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. No distribution, modification, display, or use other than for evaluation of The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago,
Helicopter Request for Proposal for the supply of Four (4) Light Twin-Turbine Helicopters and other services for the National Operations Centre (NOC) Air Division
dated September 2014 is permitted. Bell Helicopter shall not be responsible for any liability incurred as a result of modification of the content herein.
Revision Record
The center of gravity (CG) is considered the balancing point of a body and is used in weight and
balance calculations. The helicopter's CG directly affects the handling characteristics and payload
capabilities of the helicopter.
The helicopter can be compared to a pendulum, the point of suspension being where the main rotor
hub connects to the mast and the pendulum weight being the helicopter.
When the pendulum comes to a stop, it rests directly below the suspension point. For example, if the
CG of a helicopter is aft of the hub mast intersection, the helicopter flies with a "tail low" attitude. The
pilot compensates for this condition by moving the cyclic control stick forward.
However, if the CG is too far aft, the pilot may need to use a significant portion of the helicopter's
available forward control to compensate for the aft CG, thus limiting maneuverability and forward
speed and inducing high loads on the rotor system. This can lead to an unsafe flight condition.
As-Weighed Weight
Residual Fuel
Datum
The intersection of the vertical, lateral and horizontal planes from which all measurements are taken
for balance purposes. The reference datum line "0" is 72.3 inches (1836 mm) forward of the nose of
the 429 helicopter.
Center of Gravity
The point at which the total weight of a body is assumed to act and about which the body would
balance if suspended. Total Moment ÷ Total Weight = Center of Gravity
Empty Weight
Empty weight configuration is based on the following conditions: Basic helicopter weight (required
operational kits and equipment installed), fixed ballast weight and fully serviced hydraulic, engine,
transmission, tail rotor gearbox systems and unusable fuel.
Unusable Fuel
Whichever is greater: the amount of fuel in the system which cannot be used by the engines under
normal flight conditions, or the amount of fuel remaining in the system when the fuel gauge reads
zero. Unusable Fuel equals Residual Fuel plus Undrainable Fuel.
Gross Weight
• Empty Weight
• Usable Fuel
• Crew
• Passengers
• Baggage
• Cargo
Tare Weight
The weight of chocks, blocks, stands, etc., used during weighing and included in the Scale Reading.
Moment
The result of multiplying the weight of an item by its arm (W x A = M) expressed in pound inches (lb
in)
A chart depicting the longitudinal range within which the helicopter can operate without exceeding the
Gross Weight CG Envelope, provided that all loading restrictions stated in the Flight Manual (BHT-
429-FM-1) are met/complied with
Net Weight
That portion of the weight on the scales attributed solely to the helicopter (scale readings - tare
weight)
Scale Reading
The value recorded directly from a scale before removal of Tare Weight
Unballasted Empty
Weight Used to denote Empty Weight prior to calculation of and the addition of fixed ballast
Unusable Fuel
The amount of fuel in the system which cannot be used by the engines under normal flight conditions
or the amount of fuel remaining in the system when the fuel gauge reads zero (whichever is greater)
Undrainable Fuel
Useful Load
The weight of items that can be carried in excess of the helicopter's Empty Weight up to the
Maximum Gross Weight. Useful Load items are fuel, crew, passengers, baggage, and cargo Useful
Load = Max Gross Wt - Empty Wt.
Fuselage Stations
Fuselage Stations (FS) are vertical planes perpendicular to and measured along the longitudinal axis
of the helicopter. Fuselage Station 0.0 (Reference Datum Line) is located 72.3 inches (1836 mm)
forward of the nose of the helicopter. Fuselage stations forward of FS 0.0 are expressed as negative
(-) algebraic signs and fuselage stations aft of FS 0.0 are expressed as positive (+) algebraic signs.
Water Lines
Water Lines (WL) are horizontal planes perpendicular to and measured along the vertical axis of the
helicopter. Water Line 0.0 is below the lowest point on the fuselage of the helicopter. The lowest point
of the fuselage is located at Water Line 7.2. Waterline stations located above WL 0.0 are expressed
as positive (+) algebraic values and waterlines below WL 0.0 are expressed as negative (-) algebraic
values.
Butt Lines
Butt Lines are vertical planes perpendicular to and measured to the left and right along a lateral axis
of the helicopter. Butt Line 0.0 is the plane at the vertical centerline of the helicopter. Left butt lines
(LBL) are expressed as negative (-) algebraic values and right butt lines (RBL) are expressed in
positive (+) algebraic values as viewed from aft to forward of the aircraft.
Weighing
Ensure the helicopter is as close as possible to an Empty Weight configuration. Keep a written record
of the actual configuration, ensuring that any differences in the Empty Weight configuration, fluid
quantities and any other "observations" pertaining to the weighing operation are documented.
Follow the same procedures used for the first weighing process adjusting each device for zero, as
necessary. After completing the second weighing, make sure the results meet the following
conditions:
• The difference between the two As-weighed Weights must be less than 10 pounds (4.5 kg)
• After calculating the difference between the Forward and Aft Net Weights from both weightings,
their difference must be less than 5 pounds (2.3 kg)
If the two consecutive weightings do not meet these conditions, apply any necessary corrective
actions and repeat the weighing process until acceptable results are obtained. Detailed weighing
procedures are outlined in Chapter 8 of the Maintenance Manual.
Make sure the same forward jack fitting, as used for the first weighing, is used during the second
weighing. Do not use the other forward jack fitting.
Weighing Preparation
1. Make sure that the helicopter configuration is as close to the Empty Weight as possible. Complete
the weighing checklist.
3. Remove all items that are not part of the Empty Weight configuration.
4. Add all missing items required for Empty Weight configuration in their appropriate locations.
6. Make sure that the engine oil, transmission oil, tail rotor gearbox oil, and hydraulic fluid are at the
correct (full) level.
Weighing Checklist
When using electronic loadcells, install them on the jacks used to lift the helicopter. Make sure the
loadcells and their adapters are tightened to the pads of the jacks before starting/accomplishing lift
operations.
a. If using electronic loadcells, install them on the jacks used to lift the helicopter. Make
sure that the loadcells and their adapters are tightened to the pads of the jacks.
b. If using electronic platform scales, put each scale in position below the jacking point,
and align the center of the scale with the jack fitting. Make sure of the following:
(1) Do not allow the cables that connect the scales to the control unit, to cross
each other.
c. If using mechanical scales, put each scale in position below the jacking point, and
align the center of the scale with the jack fitting.
3. With the jacks and weighing devices in position, raise and adjust the jacks to make the
helicopter level in the longitudinal and lateral directions.
4. Make sure no side loads are imposed on the jacks, scales, or load cells.
7. Lower the helicopter (Chapter 7), but do not remove the jacking/weighing equipment yet.
8. Make sure there is no contact between the helicopter and the jacking/weighing equipment.
11. Add the three Net Weights that you calculated to get the As-weighed Weight of the helicopter.
Record the value.
12. Do a second weighing to check the scale readings for accuracy as follows:
a. Rotate the three scales, or loadcells, one jack point position clockwise. When rotating
the aft left-hand scale to the forward jack point, use the same forward jackpoint as
used during the first weighing.
d. Make sure the results of the two consecutive weighings meet the following
conditions.
(1) Difference between first and second As- Weighed Weight must be less
than 10 pounds (4.5 kg).
(2) Calculate the difference between the forward and aft Net Weights for both
the first and second weighings. Values must be less than 5 pounds (2.3 kg)
in difference.
e. If the two consecutive weighings do not meet the above conditions, apply corrective
actions as necessary. Repeat the weighing procedure until acceptable results are
obtained.
Make sure the same forward jack fitting, as used for the first weighing, is used during the second
weighing. Do not use the other forward jack fitting
Calculations
Calculation 1 of 3
Enter the As-weighed weighing results for each scale and subtract the Tare Weight (if any). Calculate
the As-weighed net weight and Center of Gravity.
Arms are measured from the datum to the point at which the weight of an item acts. Multiplying the
weight by the arm gives the item's moment. Adding the moments of all items and dividing by their
total weight gives an equivalent arm, or Center of Gravity (CG), for all of the items.
Calculation 2 of 3
Remove the weight and moment for those items installed which are not part of the Empty Weight.
Add the weight and moment for those items which are part of the Empty Weight but were not
installed. The result is the Unballasted Empty Weight.
Determine the Most Forward and Most Aft Useful Load weights and moments and add these to the
Unballasted Empty Weight to give the most Forward and Most Aft Gross Weight and Center of
Gravity.
Calculation 3 of 3
Ballasting Calculation
There is a direct relationship between the flight properties of the helicopter and its weight and
balance. The relation of the CG to the balance limits affects the stability and control of the helicopter.
During its service life, a helicopter's weight and balance changes as new equipment is added, old
equipment is removed and repairs are done. To compensate for these changes, you remove or add
ballast to keep the helicopter's CG within Empty Weight CG Limits.
Use the Empty Weight Center of Gravity Chart to identify the appropriate seating configuration data
for your helicopter. Plot the Unballasted Empty Weight CG using the data derived from your Empty
Weight Calculations. Determine the location and amount of any fixed ballast required, using the
following general guidelines:
• If the Unballasted Empty Weight CG falls between the Forward and Aft Limit lines within the
Empty Weight, the helicopter does not require any fixed ballast. In this case, the final Empty
Weight equals the Unballasted Empty Weight
• If the Unballasted Empty Weight is aft of the Aft Limit line at Empty Weight, nose ballast must be
added to bring the Empty Weight CG inside the limit
• If the Unballasted Empty Weight is forward of the Forward Limit line at Empty Weight, tail ballast
must be added to bring the Empty Weight CG inside the limit
The maximum total weight of the fixed ballast installation on the forward nose bulkhead at FS 80 is
60.2 pounds (27.3 kg). The maximum total weight of the fixed ballast installation on the aft wall of the
battery compartment at FS 94 is 61.6 pounds (27.9 kg). The maximum total weight of the fixed ballast
installation at the tailboom ballast tray location at FS 499 is 30 pounds (13.6 kg).
• Adjust the combination of Useful Load items to decrease the required fixed ballast to the
maximum permitted or less
• Change the Empty Weight configuration to move the Empty Weight CG closer to the flight limit
until the required ballast is equal to or less than the maximum permitted.
Detailed ballasting calculation procedures and example calculations are contained in the 429
Maintenance Manual, Chapter 8 which details ballast requirements maximum fixed weight and
location information.
WHEN YOU ADD FIXED BALLAST TO MOVE THE MOST FORWARD (OR MOST AFT) CG
INSIDE THE GROSS WEIGHT ENVELOPE (BHT-429-FM-1, SECTION 1), RECALCULATE THE
MOST AFT (OR MOST FORWARD) CG TO MAKE SURE IT DID NOT MOVE OUTSIDE OF
THE ENVELOPE.
If the Most Aft (or Most Forward) CG moved outside of the Gross Weight Envelope (BHT-429-
FM-1, Section 1), the combination of Useful Load items or Empty Weight configuration must be
changed (per MM, Chapter 8) Limiting the combinations of Useful Load items can replace the
effect of fixed ballast installations and minimize the Empty Weight. However, consideration must
also be given to the type of helicopter operations to be flown and the effect the limitations will
have on them.
Ballasting Placement
Removal and installation procedures for both the Battery Compartment and the Tail boom are
covered in the final sections of MM, Chapter 8.
Ballast weights that can be installed in the battery compartment location are made from lead sheets.
The maximum total weight of the fixed ballast installation on the forward nose bulkhead at FS 80 is
60.2 pounds (27.3 kg).
The maximum total weight of the fixed ballast installation on the aft wall of the battery compartment at
FS 94 is 61.6 pounds (27.9 kg).
Ballast weights that can be installed at the tailboom location (on the aft side of the tail rotor gearbox
mount) are made of tungsten.
The maximum total weight of the fixed ballast installation at the tailboom location is 30 pounds (13.6
kg).
Use the combination of available ballast weights to get as close as possible to the required weight
value.
Review
2. The algebraic sign convention for an arm that is aft of, above, or to the right of the
________________ (when looking forward) is the ___________ sign.
4. Datum line "0" of the helicopter is ____________ fwd of the nose of the helicopter.
5. Before accomplishing the second weighing, rotate the three scales, loadcells, one jack point
position ____________________ and zero the devices as necessary.
7. Ballast weights that can be installed in the battery compartment location are made of
________________________.
8. The maximum ballasting weight allowable in the nose of the 429 at FS 80.0 is __________
pounds and __________ pounds at FS 94.0.