In this lesson, students will explore the principles of weight and balance through hands-on problem solving and application to aviation. By analyzing simple lever systems and applying the moment formula, students will develop the ability to calculate necessary forces or distances to achieve balance. The lesson culminates with the interpretation of a real aircraft’s Weight and Balance chart from a Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH).
Learning Targets & Objectives
In the completion of this lesson, students should be able to:
- Define the concepts of moment, arm, and center of gravity in relation to weight and balance.
- Solve balance beam problems by calculating unknown weights or arms using the moment equation.
- Apply weight and balance principles to interpret and analyze a simplified aircraft loading chart from a Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH).
Student Baseline Knowledge & Skills
Students should:
- Be familiar with basic algebra (solving for an unknown variable).
- Be capable of reading tables and charts.
- Be familiar with units of weight (pounds) and distance (inches).
Formative Assessment
- Completion of DreamFlight's Balance Beam Worksheet.
- Completeion of a Weight & Balance Worksheet utilizing information and charts from an aircraft's Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH).
- Participation in group discussions and whiteboard problem-solving.
Materials & Resources
- DreamFlight's "Weight & Balance" Video
- DreamFlight's Balance Beam Worksheet
- Whiteboard & Markers or Individual Dry Erase Boards
- Calculators
- Projector or Smart Board; Sample Weight & Balance Problems Slides (Optional)
- DreamFlight's Weight & Balance Worksheet
Lesson Procedure
- Engage/Introduction (5-10 Minutes)
- Begin with a thought experiment: “Why can an overloaded or unbalanced airplane be dangerous?”
- Show DreamFlight’s “Weight & Balance” video.
- Review terms: weight, arm, moment, fulcrum, center of gravity.
- Explain (10 Minutes)
- Teach students the moment equation:
- Moment = Weight x Arm
- Emphasize the conditions for balance:
- Moment (Left) = Moment (Right)
- Moment (Left) = Moment (Right)
- Teach students the moment equation:
- Explore (25 Minutes)
- Distribute DreamFlight’s Balance Beam Worksheet and work through the problems together as a class, working in pairs and checking answers through presentations on the whiteboard/smartboard.
- Distribute DreamFlight’s Balance Beam Worksheet and work through the problems together as a class, working in pairs and checking answers through presentations on the whiteboard/smartboard.
- Application – Aircraft Weight & Balance (20 Minutes)
- Distribute DreamFlight’s Weight & Balance Worksheet and have students work in pairs to determine if the loaded plane falls within the safety envelope for operations.
- Once complete, have the students determine the new center of gravity for the aircraft if it flies for two hours with a fuel burn rate of 7 gallons per hour.
- Optional Extensions
- Have students design their own balance beam problems.
- For the Aircraft Weight & Balance activity, introduce shifts in the center of gravity (CG) by adding/removing passengers, baggage, or other loading scenarios.
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