FAA Airframe Weight and Balance Practice Test

The appropriate equipment for measuring aircraft weight is load cells or scales specifically designed for aircraft weighing. These specialized scales are engineered to handle the unique requirements of aircraft, which can include high weight capacities and the need for precise measurement due to the strict weight and balance regulations in aviation.

Load cells convert the weight of the aircraft into an electrical signal, which then provides an accurate digital readout of the aircraft's weight. This precision is critical when conducting weight and balance calculations, ensuring safety and compliance with operational limits. Such scales are also often equipped with features that account for the aircraft's unique characteristics, further enhancing their reliability and accuracy.

Other options do not serve as suitable methods for measuring aircraft weight. For example, barometers and altimeters measure atmospheric pressure and altitude rather than weight, while scale models and simulations are utilized for design and performance analysis, not actual weight measurement. Standard commercial scales lack the specific calibration and capacity needed for safely weighing aircraft, making them inadequate for this critical purpose.