MTOM and payload - from an aviation perspective

The terms MTOM and payload are an elementary component of safety during and before the flight. They are very important, as flying objects can crash if both values are not observed.

MTOM

In aviation, the acronym MTOM describes the maximum take-off mass of a flying object. In other words, the weight with which the aircraft can take off without being impaired. The prescribed safety margins must also be observed.

The take-off weight is made up of various components. These include the fuel, which includes the mainline fuel as well as the reserve and taxi fuel. In addition to the empty weight, the payload is also included.

Payload

The permissible payload is the maximum permissible total mass. The payload of an aircraft usually includes the cargo, passengers and baggage. When loading an aircraft, attention is paid to the distribution of the weight so that the center of gravity is centered on the wings. With the optimum weight distribution, the aircraft not only consumes less fuel, but is also easier to fly.

For vertical take-off flying objects

With regard to vertical take-off flying objects, also known as VTOL, the shift of the center of gravity must be taken into account for the payload. For drones with four or more rotors arranged horizontally in a line, the center of gravity should be in the middle of the drone. The effects are then no different than with airplanes. As with helicopters, the payload of drones should not exceed the lift force of the rotors. Otherwise a complete take-off is not possible.

You can learn even more basic knowledge about airplanes in the pilot training course at Flugschule Borkum GmbH.