Definition of “Licensed Empty Weight”
Licensed Empty Weight is the weight of an aircraft, consisting of the airframe, engine(s), unusable fuel, and undrainable oil, along with any standard and optional equipment as specified in the equipment list. This weight is determined by the manufacturer and documented on the aircraft’s Certificate of Airworthiness or License. Some manufacturers used this term prior to GAMA standardization.
The weight of an aircraft is a crucial factor in its performance, as it affects the aircraft’s ability to take off, climb, maneuver, and land. The Licensed Empty Weight serves as a baseline from which to calculate the aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight, payload, and fuel capacity, among other factors.
As specified in the equipment list, the standard and optional equipment included in the Licensed Empty Weight can vary depending on the aircraft model and configuration. For example, optional equipment may include avionics, additional fuel tanks, or interior furnishings.
It is important to note that the Licensed Empty Weight does not include the weight of any passengers, cargo, or baggage. These weights must be calculated separately and added to the aircraft’s total weight to determine its maximum takeoff weight.
In summary, the Licensed Empty Weight is a standardized weight measurement that plays a key role in determining an aircraft’s performance capabilities.
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