When dealing with weight and balance, the term 'maximum weight' is interpreted to mean which of the following?

• A. Maximum takeoff weight
• B. Maximum landing weight
• C. Authorized weight of the aircraft and its contents
• D. Structural limit weight

Answer: (C)

In weight and balance, the term maximum weight refers to the highest weight the aircraft is officially permitted to weigh with everything on board, i.e., the authorized gross weight of the aircraft and its contents as specified by the aircraft’s certification data and weight schedule. This is the ceiling used when computing weight and balance, because it encompasses the airframe plus fuel, passengers, baggage, and cargo up to the limit, ensuring the center of gravity remains within the approved envelope.

This distinction matters because other limits exist for specific phases or aspects of operation: maximum takeoff weight is the limit for takeoff performance, maximum landing weight is the limit for landing, and structural or other limits describe what the airframe can safely handle under certain conditions. The term in question is about the overall authorized weight the aircraft can carry, not just a single phase or a distinct structural limit.