A twin-engine airliner departs at a weight above its maximum structural landing weight for a long-haul flight. Shortly after takeoff, a medical emergency requires an immediate return to the departure airport, and there is not enough time or fuel remaining to burn down to the maximum landing weight. The airplane is not equipped with a fuel jettison system. What is the appropriate course of action?
- AVent fuel overboard through the pressurization outflow valve to reduce weight quickly
- BRefuse to land until ATC authorizes an exception to the maximum landing weight limitation
- CDelay landing indefinitely until weight decreases below maximum landing weight through fuel burn
- DLand overweight following the AFM overweight landing procedures, then accomplish the required post-flight inspection
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Land overweight following the AFM overweight landing procedures, then accomplish the required post-flight inspection
When an airplane without a fuel jettison system must land above maximum structural landing weight due to an emergency, the appropriate action is to land using AFM overweight landing procedures (often with a longer landing distance and firmer touchdown technique) and then have maintenance perform the required overweight landing inspection before further flight.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Fuel cannot be vented through the pressurization system; this is not a valid method.
- B. ATC does not grant exceptions to structural limitations; this is a flight crew/AFM decision.
- C. An emergency requiring immediate return does not permit indefinite delay for fuel burn.
Overweight Landing Procedure
A landing conducted above maximum structural landing weight when circumstances (no jettison system, insufficient time/fuel) prevent reducing weight, requiring AFM-specified technique and a post-flight structural inspection.
- Some aircraft have fuel jettison systems to quickly reduce weight; many do not.
- If time/fuel permits, holding to burn down fuel is preferred.
- Overweight landings often require longer runway and gentler touchdown.
- A maintenance inspection is required after any overweight landing.
Memory trick: Dump if you can, burn if you have time, otherwise land heavy and get checked.