(Koopas Ly) wrote

Agreed. This may sound like a stupid question, but how do you
define "gross weight"?

Ah yes...a grossly misused term and.....one not used in the FAR.

Section 23.25: Weight limits.
(a) Maximum weight. The maximum weight is the highest weight at
which compliance with each applicable requirement of this part
(other than those complied with at the design landing weight) is
shown. The maximum weight must be established so that it is --

However a web search shows that "gross weight" is used mainly by
state motor vehicle codes as follows:

Gross Vehicle Weight or GVW
The combined weight of a commercial vehicle and its load.

And the military:

Definition of: gross weight
(DOD, NATO) 1. Weight of a vehicle, fully equipped and serviced for
operation, including the weight of the fuel, lubricants, coolant,
vehicle tools and spares, crew, personal equipment, and load. 2.
Weight of a container or pallet including freight and binding. See
also net weight.


Using "gross weight" for aircraft can be misleading....for example:

The Boeing-707 had a maximum "taxi weight" of 336,000 lbs, and a
maximum "takeoff weight" of 333,100 lbs. And....its maximum
takeoff weight might be limited to the maximum landing weight plus
the weight of the fuel burned during the flight or to the maximum
weight that would allow compliance with the second segment climb
requirements.

What was its "gross weight"?

Pilots who use the term "gross weight" aren't very well versed in
the FARs.

Bob Moore