Empty weight

The empty weight of an aircraft is based on its weight without any payload (cargo, passengers, usable fuel, etc.).^[1][2] Many different empty weight definitions exist, here are some of the more common ones used.

GAMA Standardization

In 1975 the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) standardized the definition of empty weight terms for Pilot Operating Handbooks as follows:

	Standard Empty Weight
+	Optional Equipment
	Basic Empty Weight

Standard Empty Weight includes the following:

• Empty weight of the airplane
• Full Hydraulic Fluid
• Unusable Fuel
• Full Oil

Optional Equipment includes the following:

• All equipment installed beyond standard

Non GAMA Usage

Previously the following were commonly used to define empty weights:

	Empty Weight
+	Unusable Fuel
	Standard Empty Weight

	Standard Empty Weight
+	Optional Equipment
	Licensed Empty Weight

In this definition Empty Weight includes the following:

• Empty weight of the airplane
• Undrainable Oil
• Full Hydraulic Fluid

Note that weight of oil must be added to Licensed Empty Weight for it to be equivalent to Basic Empty Weight

See also

• Zero Fuel Weight
• Maximum Takeoff Weight

References

1. https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aircraft/media/FAA-H-8083-1A.pdf Aircraft Weight and Balance Handbook
2. http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aircraft/airplane_handbook/ Airplane Flying Handbook (12-11)