The useful load of an aircraft is the difference between which two weights?

• A. the maximum takeoff weight and payload.
• B. the basic empty weight and payload.
• C. the maximum takeoff weight and basic empty weight.
• D. the empty weight and usable fuel.

Answer: (C)

The useful load is the amount of weight you can add to the airplane beyond its own weight up to the maximum takeoff weight. In other words, it’s the difference between the maximum takeoff weight and the basic empty weight. This usable load includes the payload (passengers, baggage, cargo) and the usable fuel, and together they must not exceed that difference. Subtracting payload from the maximum takeoff weight would tell you how much weight remains after loading payload, not the total usable load. Subtracting basic empty weight from something else or pairing empty weight with fuel doesn’t represent the actual capacity allowed by the MTOW.