How is the maximum takeoff gross weight calculated?

• A. Ramp weight minus taxi fuel
• B. Ramp weight plus taxi fuel
• C. Standard gross weight for the aircraft established by the manufacturer
• D. Total weight of pax, baggage, & cargo

Answer: (A)

The weight you actually take off with is the ramp weight minus the taxi fuel. Ramp weight is the aircraft’s weight on the ground before pushback, including all payload and fuel. As the plane taxis to the runway, it burns taxi fuel, so the weight decreases by that amount. Therefore, the takeoff weight (the weight at the moment you lift off) equals ramp weight minus taxi fuel. This value is what you compare to the aircraft’s maximum takeoff limit to ensure safe operation.

The other ideas don’t fit because adding taxi fuel would imply more fuel than is present at takeoff, the general manufacturer’s standard gross weight is a fixed certification limit not calculated per flight, and simply summing pax, baggage, and cargo ignores fuel and the actual weight on board at takeoff.