SIFT Army Aviation Information Practice Test

Which method would best correct an aft loaded center of balance in a helicopter?

1. Adding cargo to the back of the helicopter

2. Applying additional forward cyclic

3. Increasing the throttle

4. Removing cargo from the back of the helicopter

The correct answer is: Removing cargo from the back of the helicopter

To correct an aft loaded center of balance in a helicopter, the most effective method is to remove cargo from the back of the helicopter. An aft center of balance occurs when the weight distribution of the helicopter is too far rearward, which can negatively affect stability and control. By removing cargo from the back, you are effectively shifting the weight forward, bringing the center of gravity back toward a more balanced position. This balance is critical for maintaining optimal flight performance and ensuring that the helicopter handles correctly. An aft center of gravity can lead to difficulties in pitch control, especially during maneuvers, making it essential to address this issue promptly. While adding cargo to the back would further exacerbate the problem, applying additional forward cyclic is a way to counteract the effects of an aft center of balance in flight, rather than correcting the weight distribution itself. Increasing the throttle, on the other hand, does not affect the center of balance but may alter the performance dynamics of the helicopter during flight, which is not a solution to the loading issue. Therefore, removing cargo is indeed the best corrective action for an aft loaded center of balance.