Zero-Fuel Weight Law and Legal Definition
The Federal Aviation Administration lies down that Zero Fuel Weight (ZFW) of an airplane is the total weight of the airplane and all its contents, minus the total weight of the fuel on board. The maximum weight allowed before usable fuel and other specified usable agents (engine injection fluid, and other consumable propulsion agents) must be loaded in defined sections of the aircraft as limited by strength and airworthiness requirements. It may include usable fuel in specified tanks when carried in lieu of payload. The addition of usable and consumable items to the zero fuel weight must be in accordance with the applicable government regulations so that airplane structure and airworthiness requirements are not exceeded.
