What is the difference in pounds between the maximum ramp weight and the maximum takeoff weight?

What is the difference in pounds between the maximum ramp weight and the maximum takeoff weight?

• A. 5 LBS
• B. 7 LBS
• C. 8 LBS
• D. 6 LBS

Answer: (D)

The key idea here is that ramp weight and takeoff weight are both maximums, but they apply at slightly different moments. Ramp weight is the maximum allowable weight when the airplane is on the ground (with fuel on board at the ramp). Takeoff weight is the maximum allowable weight specifically at the moment of liftoff. The airplane will burn some fuel during taxi, run-up, and the initial climb, so the weight at takeoff must not exceed the takeoff limit even if you loaded up to the ramp limit. The difference between these two limits is exactly the amount of fuel you expect to burn before liftoff. For the Diamond DA20-C1, that difference is 6 pounds, so the ramp weight limit is 6 pounds higher than the maximum takeoff weight. If you load to the ramp limit, you’ll burn enough fuel to bring the weight down to or below the takeoff limit by the time you’re ready to liftoff. The other numbers don’t match the aircraft’s published limits.

The key idea here is that ramp weight and takeoff weight are both maximums, but they apply at slightly different moments. Ramp weight is the maximum allowable weight when the airplane is on the ground (with fuel on board at the ramp). Takeoff weight is the maximum allowable weight specifically at the moment of liftoff. The airplane will burn some fuel during taxi, run-up, and the initial climb, so the weight at takeoff must not exceed the takeoff limit even if you loaded up to the ramp limit.

The difference between these two limits is exactly the amount of fuel you expect to burn before liftoff. For the Diamond DA20-C1, that difference is 6 pounds, so the ramp weight limit is 6 pounds higher than the maximum takeoff weight. If you load to the ramp limit, you’ll burn enough fuel to bring the weight down to or below the takeoff limit by the time you’re ready to liftoff. The other numbers don’t match the aircraft’s published limits.