Aircraft General
Knowledge
a Production Unit
Sharjeel Rafaqat
205219
BS-AvM 4B
An airplane is a capital good that allows its operator to deliver a specific
cargo over a specific distance. This capacity, along with the quantity of
payload and range, establishes the aircraft's productive potential. The real
productivity of the aircraft is determined by the operator based on the quality
of airline planning. An airplane differs from other modes of transportation in
that it must overcome gravity. This suggests that mass is everything.
However, the range capability of an aircraft is also stated in mass: the mass
of fuel required to traverse the distance between the departure and arrival
airports with maximum cargo.
Manufacturer’s empty weight
The manufacturer's empty weight is the first weight (MEW). This is the
weight of the basic aircraft in approved flying condition, excluding the
interior, livery, and any extra equipment required by the operator. All
individual aircraft of a given type have the same MEW, or should have,
making MEW a critical KPI for the aircraft manufacturer's manufacturing
consistency and quality.
Operating empty weight
The Operating Empty Weight (OEW), also known as Dry Empty Weight, is
the second and most critical weight. The MEW is included in the OEW, as is
the aircraft's interior, livery, optional equipment, safety equipment, catering
inserts, and the full flight crew with their luggage. As a result, the OEW
comprises all of the aircraft, sans cargo or fuel. A low-cost airline uses
aircraft with conventional seats and little comfort facilities, whereas a highquality airline uses the same aircraft type but with a deluxe cabin that
includes flat-bed seats, large TV screens, and other amenities. High-end food
is provided on china, contributing to the high OEW typical of these carriers.
Maximum zero fuel weight
The Maximum Zero Fuel Weight (MZFW) is determined by the aircraft's
structural integrity. As the difference between the MZFW and the OEW, the
MZFW establishes the aircraft's maximum cargo capabilities. It is worth
noting that aircraft designed to transport people are practically never placed
onto the MZFW. The operator utilizes the fuselage capacity to seat
passengers, store their luggage, and fill the remaining space with freight,
thus the overall weight of the real payload rarely surpasses the MZFW.
Cargo operators, particularly Parcel operators, frequently pack the fuselage
space with freight until the overall weight approaches the MZFW. The
MZFW is aircraft-type specific, meaning that all aircraft of a certain type
have the same MZFW, which is determined by the authority that certifies
the aircraft. MZFW is a registered weight.
Maximum take-off weight
The commission also certifies the Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW).
This weight is self-explanatory; it is the absolute maximum weight at which
the airplane may safely take off and climb out. It is the same as every other
aircraft of the same type. The weight available for fuel is the difference
between the MZFW and the MTOW. This weight, along with the aircraft's
fuel economy, determines the aircraft's range capabilities. It is critical to
realize that the airplane's fuel storage capacity, which is measured in
volume, can only be used partially when the aircraft is loaded to its MZFW.
As a result, an aircraft loaded to its MZFW with maximum cargo has a
restricted range. The inverse is also true; when the fuel tanks are completely
full, the aircraft's payload is limited. This basically means that an aircraft
lacks a fixed payload and a defined range.