Maximum Take-off Weight [Aviation Law] Law and Legal Definition
The Federal Aviation Administration has defined Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW). The MTOW of an aircraft is the maximum weight at which the pilot of the aircraft is allowed to attempt to take off, due to structural or other limits. The MTOW is usually specified in units of kilograms or pounds. The MTOW is the heaviest weight at which the aircraft has been shown to meet all the airworthiness requirements applicable to it. The MTOW of an aircraft is fixed, and does not vary with altitude or air temperature or the length of the runway to be used for takeoff or landing. A different weight the "maximum permissible takeoff weight", or "regulated takeoff weight", varies according to flap setting, altitude, air temperature, length of runway and other factors.
