(Or how to go from science to technique to art while flying)
Hopefully we are all at a point where we have a good understanding of how to complete a weight and balance for our aircraft. If you are from the early Stone Age a pencil and paper with the information from your Aircraft Flight Manual will work.
For most of us a calculator will help us over the rough spots (like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division). In our high tech age all we need to do is plug the numbers into a spreadsheet or smart-phone application to come out with the desired information.
In all cases we come up with a result that is “scientific”, that is, it is based on the simple formula of Weight times Arm equals Moment. Our flight manual describes the limits and should have a nice chart to plot our results to show us where we stand.
As part of a normal check ride you will in some way address the need for a weight and balance calculation. The expected question during the check should be are within the limits for our aircraft. My question when I get the response is where are we within the CG envelope? In the front, back, middle…where? A fault of many calculating programs is that we just “do the math” and as long as they are with in limits numerically we do not know (or care) where the CG is located.
Always try to use a method that allows you to see graphically where the CG will be for takeoff and landing.
So what has this to do with technique and art?
Although perhaps not as apparent in smaller aircraft as in larger ones, trim position settings and proper trimming makes a great deal of difference in good flying technique.
If you have ever flown with someone who never heard of trim, from an instructing perspective, it is painful to watch. No matter how they adjust the power the airplane seems to be going where it wants, not where they want. In a big single engine airplane, a long climb out without good rudder control (or trim) slides me sideways in my seat.
Good trimming contributes to smoother control, a more comfortable ride and better handling overall…good technique. Let’s add our science to our technique…we determined our CG position from the weight and balance calculation and now we know where the takeoff (and landing) CG’s are located. Use the location of the CG to adjust the trim…if you have a forward CG for take-off, adjust the trim to the aft position of the take-off range. If you airplane has only a single takeoff position available use that position but use your knowledge of the CG’s position to anticipate your first trim movements when airborne.
Since good landings are considered an art form… let’s add our science and technique to this artistic endeavor.
Now on approach to landing we know from our calculations that the CG for landing is very near the front range of the envelope (visualize two pilots, slightly above average weight, in the front of a C182). Using good technique, we trim the airplane with a little more nose up trim (forward CG = need for nose up trim) at approach speed. Science, technique and art now come together on landing as we are able correctly control the round-out, flare for a perfect touch down on the main wheels.
Use the knowledge gained during pre-flight preparation to become a better (smoother) pilot.
