← All explained questions · Weight, Balance and Aircraft Performance

How is useful load determined?

Choices

  • Empty weight minus fuel weight

    Useful load is not empty weight minus fuel.

  • ✓ Maximum allowable gross weight minus empty weightcorrect

    Useful load is what remains between empty weight and maximum gross weight.

  • Maximum gross weight minus fuel weight

    Fuel is part of the useful load, so this is incorrect.

  • The total moment divided by total weight

    That formula yields the center of gravity, not useful load.

Why

Useful load equals the maximum allowable gross weight minus the empty weight, and includes pilot, passengers, usable fuel, and baggage.

FAA source: FAA-H-8083-1 Ch. 1browse the reference library →

This is taught in Weight and Balance Fundamentals — study the lessons free, then practice with grading and mastery tracking.

Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question.

How is useful load determined? · PPL Free Ground School