Max En-Route Takeoff Weight (METW) is defined as the max takeoff weight allowing for which condition?

• A. The maximum weight allowed by the aircraft's structural limits
• B. A fixed weight based solely on structural MTOW
• C. The maximum takeoff weight dictated by weather conditions
• D. The maximum takeoff weight allowing for en-route engine failure and drift down

Answer: (D)

METW is about engine-out performance—the maximum takeoff weight that still allows safe operation if an engine fails during the en-route phase and the aircraft drifts down to a lower altitude. The weight must be low enough that, with one engine inoperative, you can maintain obstacle clearance and either continue to a suitable alternate or reach a landing point within performance limits. It’s a safety-based limit derived from how the airplane behaves with an engine out, not simply the structural maximum or a weather-related constraint.