What does Max En-Route Takeoff Weight (METW) represent?

• A. The maximum takeoff weight that ensures safe climb after engine failure at altitude
• B. The maximum takeoff weight allowing for en-route engine failure and drift down
• C. The minimum takeoff weight for engine warm-up
• D. The maximum landing weight permitted under regulatory limits

Answer: (B)

Max En-Route Takeoff Weight is about what the airplane can safely handle when an engine fails during takeoff and the aircraft must still reach a suitable altitude to continue the flight en route. It’s the heaviest weight at which, with one engine inoperative, the airplane can meet the required performance—specifically climb performance and the ability to drift down to the en‑route altitude and continue the flight. Drift-down describes the descent that can occur when thrust is lost on one side, so METW ensures there’s enough performance headroom to reach a safe altitude after that descent.

So this weight cap is not about engine warm-up, minimum takeoff weight, or maximum landing weight; it’s about maintaining safe en-route capability in the engine-out scenario.