The
Maximum Takeoff Weight or
Maximum Takeoff Mass of an
aircraft is the maximum weight at which the pilot of the aircraft is allowed to attempt to take off. The Maximum Takeoff Weight is the heaviest weight at which the aircraft has been shown to meet all the
airworthiness requirements applicable to it. The airworthiness requirements include many items related to strength of the structure, and performance. At its Maximum Takeoff Weight an aircraft complies with all the structural and performance requirements applicable to aircraft in its class.
The Maximum Takeoff Weight of an aircraft is fixed. It does not vary with altitude or air temperature or the length of the runway to be used for takeoff or landing. (A different weight, called the maximum permissible takeoff weight, or the regulated takeoff weight, varies according to flap setting, altitude, air temperature, length of runway and other factors. It is different from one takeoff to the next, but can never be higher than the Maximum Takeoff Weight.)
Maximum Takeoff Weight is usually specified in units of
kilograms or
pounds.
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