The Operating Weight of an aircraft is the total weight of the aircraft when it is in a fully operational condition, ready for flight. It includes the Basic Empty Weight (BEW), which represents the weight of the aircraft in a non-operational state (excluding payload, operational fluids, and usable fuel), along with all necessary operational items. Here’s the formula, definition, and SI unit for Operating Weight:
Operating Weight Formula: The formula for calculating the Operating Weight (OW) is the sum of the Basic Empty Weight (BEW) and all necessary operational items:
- OW: Operating Weight, measured in kilograms (kg) or pounds (lbs), depending on regional conventions.
- BEW: Basic Empty Weight, which represents the weight of the aircraft in a non-operational state, excluding payload, operational fluids, and usable fuel, measured in kilograms (kg) or pounds (lbs).
- Payload: The combined weight of passengers, cargo, and any additional items carried on the aircraft, measured in kilograms (kg) or pounds (lbs).
- Operational Fluids Weight: The weight of operational fluids required for aircraft operation, such as engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and other fluids, measured in kilograms (kg) or pounds (lbs).
- Usable Fuel Weight: The weight of usable fuel on board the aircraft, measured in kilograms (kg)