Delivery Empty Weight (A/C weighing) * (abbreviated as DEW) is a fundamental term in aviation, referring to the weight of an aircraft as determined during the delivery or weighing process, excluding payload and usable fuel. This measurement is crucial for the accurate calculation of operational weights, which directly affect flight planning, safety, and regulatory compliance.
The DEW represents the aircraft’s basic structure weight, including the airframe, engines, unusable fuel, and standard equipment, but without any fluids, payload, or usable fuel. Understanding what is Delivery Empty Weight (A/C weighing) * in aviation is essential for engineers, operators, and flight crews because it forms the baseline from which all weight and balance calculations begin.
Contents
- 1 Understanding Delivery Empty Weight (A/C weighing) *
- 2 Why Delivery Empty Weight (A/C weighing) * Matters in Flight Operations
- 3 Methods for Determining Delivery Empty Weight (A/C weighing) *
- 4 Relationship Between Delivery Empty Weight (A/C weighing) * and Other Weight Terms
- 5 Conclusion: Importance and Practical Use of Delivery Empty Weight (A/C weighing) *
Understanding Delivery Empty Weight (A/C weighing) *
Delivery Empty Weight (A/C weighing) * is formally defined during the aircraft’s certification phase and represents the actual weight measured on calibrated scales at the time of delivery from the manufacturer. The weight includes the aircraft structure, engines, fixed systems such as electrical wiring, avionic systems, and unusable fuel, which typically accounts for 1-3% of the total fuel capacity, depending on the aircraft model.
For example, a Boeing 737-800 has a DEW approximately in the range of 41,000 to 42,000 kilograms. This value becomes the reference point for calculating Zero Fuel Weight (ZFW), Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW), and other critical weight parameters used in flight operations. The precision of DEW is vital, as small errors can significantly affect performance calculations, fuel burn estimates, and load distribution.
Why Delivery Empty Weight (A/C weighing) * Matters in Flight Operations
Accurate knowledge of Delivery Empty Weight (A/C weighing) * is critical for flight safety and efficiency. DEW is the starting point for determining the aircraft’s Operational Empty Weight (OEW), which includes the basic empty weight plus the crew, catering, and any other operational equipment. Incorrect DEW data may lead to improper weight and balance calculations, potentially causing structural stress or affecting fuel consumption adversely.
Flight planners rely on DEW to calculate payload capacity and to ensure the aircraft does not exceed Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) limits, which for large commercial aircraft can range from 70,000 kilograms (regional jets) up to 640,000 kilograms (such as the Antonov An-225). Additionally, DEW data supports compliance with regulatory requirements outlined by authorities like the FAA and EASA. Interested readers can find detailed discussions on aircraft weight concepts at the FAA’s official website.
Methods for Determining Delivery Empty Weight (A/C weighing) *
Determining Delivery Empty Weight (A/C weighing) * involves comprehensive weighing procedures conducted under controlled conditions. The aircraft is placed on certified scales at multiple points—usually under each landing gear or wheel—to obtain a total weight measurement. This multi-point weighing accounts for the distribution of the aircraft’s mass and ensures accurate data for maintenance and operational records.
During weighing, all fluids except unusable fuel and oil are drained to standardize conditions, as their weights can fluctuate. The data acquisition system records fuel quantities, oil content, and other consumables for precise calculations. Weighing is often required after major structural modifications or heavy maintenance to verify or update the DEW values. Maintaining precise DEW records is a vital part of the aircraft’s life cycle management.