FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Performance, Weight and BalanceMedium
A pilot is planning a flight with an aircraft that has a maximum takeoff weight of 2,300 lbs. The empty weight of the aircraft is 1,450 lbs. The pilot and passenger weigh 350 lbs and 180 lbs respectively. The planned fuel load is 30 gallons. What is the remaining useful load available for baggage?
- A180 lbs
- B120 lbs
- C150 lbs
- D80 lbs
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 120 lbs
First, calculate the total weight of the pilot, passenger, and fuel. Then subtract this from the total useful load (maximum takeoff weight minus empty weight) to find the remaining useful load for baggage. Fuel weighs 6 lbs per gallon.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect. This value is obtained by an error in calculating the total useful load or fuel weight.
- C. Incorrect. This value is obtained by an error in the fuel weight calculation or subtraction.
- D. Incorrect. This value is obtained by miscalculating the fuel weight or subtracting incorrectly.
Remaining Useful Load
The weight capacity available for additional payload (like baggage) after accounting for the pilot, passengers, and fuel.
- Calculated by subtracting empty weight from maximum takeoff weight to get total useful load.
- Then subtract the weight of pilot, passengers, and fuel from the total useful load.
- Avgas weighs 6 lbs per gallon.
Memory trick: To find your baggage load, subtract all others from the useful road.