PERFORMANCE · GLOSSARY
Maximum Landing Weight (MLW)
The maximum weight at which an aircraft is certified to land safely without overstressing the landing gear.
IN PRACTICE
MLW is always lower than MTOW. On short flights with full fuel, aircraft sometimes need to dump fuel, burn off fuel in a hold, or accept a structural inspection if forced to land overweight in an emergency.
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Frequently asked
What does Maximum Landing Weight mean in private aviation?
The maximum weight at which an aircraft is certified to land safely without overstressing the landing gear.
How is maximum landing weight calculated?
MLW is always lower than MTOW. On short flights with full fuel, aircraft sometimes need to dump fuel, burn off fuel in a hold, or accept a structural inspection if forced to land overweight in an emergency.
Why does maximum landing weight affect my charter quote?
Performance figures determine whether an aircraft can fly your route non-stop, the runway it can use and the payload it can carry — all of which feed into pricing and aircraft selection.
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