Which statement best describes gross weight components?

• A. Weight of aircraft
• B. Weight of all persons and goods
• C. Weight of all fuel
• D. The combined weight of aircraft, passengers and goods, and fuel

Answer: (D)

Gross weight is the total weight of the aircraft system at a given moment, including everything on board. It isn’t just the aircraft itself, nor only the passengers or only the fuel. It’s the sum of the aircraft’s own weight plus the payload (people and goods) plus the fuel. That’s why the description describing the combined weight of the aircraft, passengers and goods, and fuel is the best choice. For example, if the airplane weighs 1,000 kg, people and cargo weigh 350 kg, and fuel weighs 150 kg, the gross weight would be 1,500 kg.