What does landing weight represent in aircraft operations?

Landing weight is a crucial concept in aircraft operations that refers to the aircraft's weight just before touchdown on the runway. This weight is important for several reasons, including performance calculations for landing distance and the structural limits of the aircraft.

When approaching the runway, landing weight accounts for all the fuel that has been consumed during the flight, the weight of the passengers and cargo that were loaded before takeoff, and any other factors that affect the aircraft's total weight at that moment. Therefore, it is most accurately defined as the weight of the aircraft as it is prepared to land, reflecting the conditions under which the piloting team must manage the aircraft for a safe landing.

Understanding landing weight enables pilots to adhere to the designated landing speed and distance requirements, ensuring a smooth operation in various landing conditions. Properly managing the landing weight contributes to the safety and efficiency of the flight operation by confirming that the aircraft will be able to stop within the available runway length.