How does the burning of fuel affect a helicopter's weight and balance?

As fuel is burned during flight, the overall weight of the helicopter decreases because the fuel is no longer present. This reduction in weight is critical for performance, as it may improve climb rate, maneuverability, and fuel efficiency.

Regarding the center of gravity (CG), this is affected by where the fuel is stored in the helicopter. In most helicopters, the fuel tanks are located towards the center or aft part of the aircraft. As fuel is consumed, the distribution of weight shifts. If the remaining fuel results in less weight at the aft section, the CG can indeed move forward, which affects stability and control.

Therefore, it is essential to understand the relationship between fuel weight and CG as it plays a significant role in the helicopter's handling characteristics. The correct answer clarifies that as fuel is burned, the helicopter becomes lighter, but the relation of CG in terms of forward movement in response to specific design characteristics should be more specifically addressed. This understanding is crucial for maintaining safe operations and ensuring the helicopter is within weight and balance limits throughout the flight.