In weight and balance calculations, what is included in the basic empty weight of an aircraft?

The basic empty weight of an aircraft includes the weight of the aircraft structure, systems, and all necessary operating fluids, which encompasses unusable fuel and full operating fluids. This definition is crucial because it provides a baseline for weight and balance calculations, ensuring that the aircraft is within safe operating limits.

Unusable fuel is the fuel that cannot be used by the engines and must be accounted for in weight calculations. Full operating fluids include engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and coolant, all of which are essential for the aircraft’s operation but do not contribute to the payload capacity.

Including passenger weight, implemented safety equipment, or the weight of all cargo would alter the basic empty weight figure, as these components are not part of the static structure of the aircraft. They represent dynamic variables that change with the flight configuration, meaning they should be calculated separately when determining the overall loaded weight of the aircraft for flight operations.