Editing Maximum takeoff weight (section)

{{short description|Maximum weight of a craft at which takeoff is permitted}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2021}}
[[File:Takeoff weight diagram.svg|thumb|upright=1.35|Takeoff weight components]]

The '''maximum takeoff weight''' ('''MTOW''') or '''maximum gross takeoff weight''' ('''MGTOW''') or '''maximum takeoff mass''' ('''MTOM''') of an [[aircraft]], also known as the '''maximum structural takeoff weight''' or '''maximum structural takeoff mass''',<ref name="JAR OPS">{{cite web |title=JAR-OPS 1.607 (d) |url=https://www.caa.gov.om/upload/files/regulations/civil-aviation-regulation/commercial-air-transportation-aeroplanes.pdf |access-date=28 October 2024}}</ref> is the maximum weight at which the pilot is allowed to attempt to [[takeoff|take off]], due to structural or other limits. The analogous term for rockets is '''gross lift-off mass''', or '''GLOW'''. MTOW is usually specified in units of kilograms or pounds.

MTOW is the heaviest weight at which the aircraft has been shown to meet all the [[airworthiness]] requirements applicable to it. It refers to the maximum permissible aircraft weight at the start of the takeoff run.<ref name="JAR OPS"/> MTOW of an aircraft is fixed and does not vary with altitude, air temperature, or the length of the runway to be used for takeoff or landing.

'''Maximum permissible takeoff weight''' or "regulated takeoff weight", varies according to flap setting, altitude, air temperature, length of runway and other factors. It is different from one takeoff to the next, but can never be higher than the MTOW.