Performance and weight and balanceQuestion 686 of 934

What is the basic empty weight?

  1. Standard empty weight plus optional equipment
  2. The weight of the aircraft with the pilot aboard
  3. The maximum allowable weight for takeoff and landing
  4. The weight of the empty aircraft plus full fuel
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Correct answer: Standard empty weight plus optional equipment

Standard empty weight includes the airframe, engines, fixed ballast, hydraulic fluid, unusable fuel, and full engine oil.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 10: Weight and Balance — Terms and Definitions, page 248

Practice performance and weight and balance

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026