FAA Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)Performance, Weight and BalanceEasy
An airplane's ramp weight before engine start is 2,458 lb. During engine start, taxi, and runup, the airplane burns 8 lb of fuel. The maximum allowable takeoff weight is 2,450 lb. Is the airplane within limits at the point of takeoff?
- AYes, exactly at the maximum takeoff weight
- BNo, 16 lb over the limit
- CYes, 8 lb under the limit
- DNo, 8 lb over the limit
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Yes, exactly at the maximum takeoff weight
Takeoff weight = ramp weight − fuel burned during taxi = 2,458 − 8 = 2,450 lb, exactly equal to the maximum allowable takeoff weight.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Double-counts the fuel burn incorrectly.
- C. Miscalculates by not properly subtracting the taxi fuel.
- D. Confuses ramp weight with takeoff weight, ignoring the fuel burn subtraction.
Ramp Weight vs Takeoff Weight
Ramp (or taxi) weight includes fuel that will be burned during start, taxi, and runup; takeoff weight is ramp weight minus that fuel burn, and must not exceed max takeoff weight.
- Ramp weight = takeoff weight + taxi/runup fuel
- Typical taxi fuel burn is a few pounds for small GA aircraft
- Max takeoff weight is the limiting structural/performance value
- Pilots must verify takeoff weight, not just ramp weight, is within limits
Memory trick: 'Ramp minus taxi burn equals takeoff' — weight shrinks before you fly.