Where is the maximum allowable gross weight found?

• A. The Pilot's Operating Handbook
• B. The Maintenance Manual
• C. The Type Certificate Data Sheets for the aircraft.
• D. The Airworthiness Certificate

Answer: (C)

The maximum allowable gross weight is a design limit established during certification and published in the Type Certificate Data Sheet for the aircraft. That document defines the airplane’s official weight and balance and structural limits, including the maximum takeoff/landing weights and any other weight-related limits tied to the certification basis. While the Pilot’s Operating Handbook often lists weight and balance data for safe operation on a specific airframe and may show a maximum gross weight for that model, the primary official source for the design limit is the Type Certificate Data Sheet. The Maintenance Manual covers procedures and limitations related to maintenance, not the aircraft’s certified weight limits, and the Airworthiness Certificate simply certifies the aircraft as airworthy without detailing weight limits. If you modify the aircraft in a way that changes weight, you must verify that you remain within the certified limits, potentially requiring updates to the documentation.