MTOW definition
Thread Starter


Joined: Mar 2001
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 185
Likes: 39
From: on root
MTOW definition
Strictly speaking, is the MTOW a structural limit and the RTOW the operationally limited TOW ?
Searching through definitions, some texts describe MTOW as being changeable (WAT-limited etc). But is it? Isn't MTOW just that, structurally, with the RTOW the variable? (very strictly speaking)
thanks
Searching through definitions, some texts describe MTOW as being changeable (WAT-limited etc). But is it? Isn't MTOW just that, structurally, with the RTOW the variable? (very strictly speaking)
thanks
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Madrid
Yes you are very right.
MTOW is always the same regardless of airport, mountains or ambient conditions. MTOW might be structurally calculated but be advised that a lot of operators reduce the manufacture MTOW for economics, cause landing fees are paid on MTOW basics.
RTOW depends on several variables. It is also known as OTOW, PTOW and few papers call it also MTOW (confussing)
MTOW is always the same regardless of airport, mountains or ambient conditions. MTOW might be structurally calculated but be advised that a lot of operators reduce the manufacture MTOW for economics, cause landing fees are paid on MTOW basics.
RTOW depends on several variables. It is also known as OTOW, PTOW and few papers call it also MTOW (confussing)
Fleet Manager

Joined: Apr 2001
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 7,448
Likes: 310
From: various places .....
MTOW is the maximum permitted certification takeoff weight as listed in the Type Certificate Data Sheets and the limitations section of the Flight Manual. It is the lowest of a number of limiting weights determined during the certification process and represents the maximum weight at which the certifications standards were shown to be met during the design and certification process.
The maximum weight on the day from a given runway (often referred to as RTOW - regulated TOW) is the lowest of a number of limiting weights determined for the day, some structural, most performance. This weight may, on occasion, equal the MTOW but usually is somewhat less to ensure that a variety of performance limits are met.
The maximum weight on the day from a given runway (often referred to as RTOW - regulated TOW) is the lowest of a number of limiting weights determined for the day, some structural, most performance. This weight may, on occasion, equal the MTOW but usually is somewhat less to ensure that a variety of performance limits are met.




