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Refer to figure or CAP 758 figure 3.21 for the twin-engine turbine helicopter (TETH).
Given the following information, what is the maximum traffic load that may be loaded?

Maximum Gross Mass: 8 600 kg
Performance limited Take-off Mass: 7 440 kg
Equipped Empty Mass: 4 770 kg
Crew: 240 kg
Fuel: 1, 3, 6 tanks full.
Specific Gravity: 0.79 kg/I

  • A
    1 794 lbs
  • B
    2 954 lbs
  • C
    2 954 kg
  • D
    1 794 kg

Refer to figures.
Basic Empty Mass (BEM) (can be Equipped Empty Mass (EEM)) is the mass of the helicopter and all its basic equipment and that of the declared quantity of unusable fuel. It also includes any fixed ballast, full operating fluids.

Traffic load (TL) in a helicopter refers to the number of passengers or cargo that the aircraft is carrying at a given time. It is used to determine the weight and balance of the helicopter, which is important for safe flight. The maximum traffic load of a helicopter is determined by its design and is specified in its flight manual.

Maximum Gross Mass (MGM) is the structural limiting mass of the helicopter ready for a flight. This mass must not be exceeded at any time.

Performance Limited Take-Off Mass (PLM) is the limiting mass of the helicopter for a specific flight taking into account the performance for the day of the flight, including weather, altitude and take-off mass.

The performance limited take-off mass is more restrictive than the MGM. Therefore, the safest option will be calculating the TL in relation to the more limiting mass.

Find out the total fuel in tank 1, 3 and 6 in figure 3.21:

  • Fuel = 236 l + 246 l + 324 l = 806 l

Convert the fuel into kg by multiplying with the Specific Gravity of 0.79 kg/l:

  • 806 l x 0.79 kg/l = 636.74 kg

Knowing the fuel, find out the TL:

  1. TL = PLM - EEM - Crew - Fuel
  2. TL = 7 440 kg - 4 770 kg - 240 kg - 636.74 kg
  3. TL = 1 793.26 kg ≈ 1 794 kg
NOTE:
When calculating a helicopter's mass for flight, always round the answer down in order to be within limits.

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