Useful Load
What is useful load?

Useful load is the difference between an aircraft's maximum takeoff (or gross) weight and its basic empty weight. In other words, it's everything you're allowed to add: the pilot, copilot, passengers, baggage, usable fuel, and drainable oil. Think of it as your total "carrying capacity" — the weight budget you have to work with once the airplane itself is accounted for.
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