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The fuel tanks of a helicopter are fitted behind the Centre of Gravity (CG). What could be the negative effects at the end of the flight in such a situation?

  • A

    Too far aft CG with the pilot running out of forward cyclic.

  • B

    Too far forward CG with the pilot running out of forward cyclic.

  • C

    Too far aft CG with the pilot running out of aft cyclic.

  • D

    Too far forward CG with the pilot running out of aft cyclic.

A forward CG may occur when a heavy pilot and passenger take off without baggage or proper ballast located aft of the rotor mast. This situation worsens if the fuel tanks are located aft of the rotor mast as well as the Centre of Gravity (CG), because as fuel burns the weight located aft of the rotor mast becomes less.

To recognize this condition, in a hover with no-wind conditions you will experience a nose down attitude leading to excessive rearward cyclic displacement. Therefore, forward centre of gravity limitations may be reached for landing with little fuel onboard.

This situation is hazardous and flight should not be continued:

  • Because it might be impossible to decelerate sufficiently to bring the helicopter to a stop.
  • In the event of an engine failure and resulting in autorotation, you may not have enough cyclic control to flare properly for the landing.

NOTE:
A forward CG will not be as obvious when hovering into a strong wind due to rearward cyclic displacement required is less than hovering in no-wind conditions

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