What is defined as useful load?

Useful load is defined specifically as the weight that a pilot can carry in addition to the airplane itself. This includes the weight of the pilot, passengers, baggage, and usable fuel. Understanding useful load is crucial for flight planning and ensuring that the aircraft is not overloaded, which can affect performance and safety during flight.

When calculating useful load, it’s important to account for everything that will be on board the aircraft that contributes to its total weight but is not part of the aircraft’s empty weight. This includes the total weight of the fuel that can be used for flight, the weight of any passengers, the pilot, and any baggage or cargo transported.

In contrast, the other options presented define different aspects or categories of weight associated with the aircraft and do not meet the specific definition of useful load. The total weight of the aircraft encompasses all its components, just like the weight of the aircraft plus cargo accounts for more than just the useful load. The weight of fuel and oil consumed during flight pertains to operational data that changes throughout the flight, rather than providing a static measurement for what can be loaded onto the aircraft initially.