If MTOW is 60,000 pounds and BEW is 40,000 pounds, the useful load is which value?

• A. 10,000 pounds
• B. 40,000 pounds
• C. 20,000 pounds
• D. 60,000 pounds

Answer: (C)

Useful load is the amount you can add to the basic empty airplane to reach the maximum takeoff weight. It represents payload plus usable fuel. With a maximum takeoff weight of 60,000 pounds and a basic empty weight of 40,000 pounds, the available increment is 60,000 − 40,000 = 20,000 pounds. So the useful load is 20,000 pounds. This is the total of passengers, baggage, cargo, and usable fuel you can carry, with the exact mix depending on how much fuel you plan to use for the flight.