MAC Description

Mean Aerodynamic Chord

The distance between the leading and trailing edge of the wing, measured parallel to the
normal airflow over the wing, is known as the chord. If the leading edge and trailing edge
are parallel, the chord of the wing is constant along the wings length. Most commercial
transport airplanes have wings that are both tapered and swept with the result that the
width of the wing changes along its entire length. The width of the wing is greatest where
it meets the fuselage at the wing root and progressively decreases toward the tip. As a
consequence, the chord also changes along the span of the wing. The average length of
the chord is known as the mean aerodynamic chord (MAC).

In large aircraft, centre of gravity limitations and the actual centre of gravity are often
expressed in terms of percent MAC.

Chord / Chord Length

Description
The distance between the leading and trailing edges of a wing measured along the Chord
Line is the Chord Length or, more simply, the Chord.
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Trailing Edge

Description
The rear edge of an aerofoil where the airflow separated by the Leading Edge rejoins and
where the essential control surfaces are located.

Mass and Balance

Description
The mass of an aircraft and the location of its centre of gravity are vital information
required before commencement of any flight.

The Aeroplane Flight Manual (AFM) contains critical mass and balance data, for
example:

Maximum empty mass;

Maximum fuel load and effect on centre of gravity of fuel in different tanks;
 Maximum freight or passenger load in any compartment and effect on centre of
gravity;

Maximum mass permitted for take-off and landing;

Critical positions (forward and aft) of centre of gravity for take-off, in flight and
for landing.

Knowing the actual aircraft empty weight and position of its centre of gravity, the
passenger and freight load and the planned fuel load, the actual weight of the aircraft and
location of is centre of gravity can be calculated for any point in flight.

The calculated or actual take-off mass must not exceed:

the AFM maximum permitted take-off mass; or,

the maximum take-off mass determined in aircraft performance calculations.

The calculated or actual landing mass must not exceed:

the AFM maximum permitted lnding mass; or,

the maximum landing mass determined in aircraft performance calculations for

the destination and for any alternate aerodromes.

The aircraft centre of gravity must at all times remain within the limits specified in the
AFM for the relevant stage of flight.

Centre of Gravity(CG)

Definition
The Centre of Gravity of a body is the theoretical point at which the entire weight of that
body is assumed to be concentrated.

Description
In an aeroplane, the centre of gravity (CG) is the point at which the aircraft would
balance were it possible to suspend it at that point. As the location of the centre of gravity
affects the stability of the aircraft, it must fall within specified limits that are established
by the aircraft manufacturer. Both lateral and longitudinal balance are important, but the
primary concern is longitudinal balance; that is, the location of the CG along the
longitudinal or lengthwise axis.
The empty weight and the empty weight centre of gravity (EWCG) are calculated for
each aircraft using a set of weigh scales, the manufacturer defined reference datum, the
arms, as listed on the aircraft Type Certificate Data Sheet, for each weighing point. The
empty weight of the aircraft is simply the sum of the weights from each of the weighing
points. The EWCG is calculated using the calculated moments for each of the weighing
points, the calculated empty weight and the appropriate formula for the aircraft type as
specified in the AFM. On small airplanes and on helicopters, the center of gravity
location is identified as being a specific number of inches from the datum and the center
of gravity range is identified the same way. On larger airplanes, the center of gravity and
its range are typically identified in relation to the width of the wing. Thus empty weight
centre of gravity may be expressed as a percentage of Mean Aerodynamic Chord (MAC)
and is often referred to as the "basic index". If equipment is added to or removed from the
aircraft after the weighing process, a revised empty weight and EWCG can be calculated
mathematically by calculating the moment associated with the change and then
modifying the basic index.

For day to day operations, the basic index is used as a starting point for CG calculations.
Weight and arm information for the total aircraft load (crew, passengers, freight, fuel,
catering etc) are used to calculate moments. The total moment for the load is used to
adjust the basic index resulting in the takeoff centre of gravity. Centre of gravity
calculations may be done mathematically or graphically at the discretion of the operator.