The landing weight is the total weight of an aircraft at the time of landing on the runway. This weight is a decisive parameter for flight safety and the structural integrity of the aircraft during the landing process.
Components of the landing weight
Operatingeerweight (OEW)
The operational empty weight comprises the weight of the aircraft itself, including all permanently installed systems, crew and operating fluids, but excluding fuel.
Payload
The payload consists of passengers, baggage and cargo. These variable weights depend on the specific flight mission and the requirements of flight operations.
Remaining usable fuel
This is the fuel remaining on board after consumption during cab, take-off, climb, cruise and descent. The remaining fuel is decisive for calculating the landing weight.
Limit: Maximum landing weight (MLW)
Maximum landing weight (MLW)
The MLW is the maximum permissible weight of an aircraft on landing, as defined by the manufacturer and certified by the aviation authorities. Under normal conditions, the landing weight must not exceed the MLW.
Exceptions and measures
In emergencies where an aircraft must land with a weight above the MLW, special measures are required:
- Fuel drain: If available, fuel can be drained to reduce the weight and comply with the MLW.
- Structural inspection: If fuel jettisoning is not possible or not sufficient, a structural inspection must be carried out after landing to identify and rectify any damage caused by overloading.
Example
| Type of weight | Example value |
|---|---|
| Empty tank weight | 120,000 kg |
| Remaining fuel (landing) | 10,000 kg |
| Weight on landing | 130,000 kg |
| MLW (limit value) | 135,000 kg |
In this example, the landing weight is 130,000 kg, which is below the maximum landing weight of 135,000 kg. This ensures that the aircraft can land safely without exceeding the structural limits. Compliance with the MLW is critical to the safety and integrity of the aircraft during the landing process.
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