What is the weight of an average commercial airplane?

Question

What is the weight of an average commercial airplane?

Answer 1

Roughly speaking, about 60,000 pounds on average. That would be basic empty weight, minus fuel, passengers and baggage. Throw those things in and you'll be talking a max take off weight in the 75,000 pound range.

Those are just rough estimates.

Answer 2

747s can weigh up to about 430 tons.

A380 - weighs up to 560 tons

737 - about 80 tons

Answer 3

Anywhere from a 20 ton 50 passenger ATR to a 560 ton A380.

I'm not sure what "average" is. The most common is the 737 at around 80 tons.

Answer 4

According to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs) Large aircraft means aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds, maximum certificated takeoff weight.  A Boeing 747-200B weighs in at 836,000 pounds max take off.  So doing some simple math it would indicate the average weight between this to should be close to 369,00 lbs.

Keep in mind each make and model of aircraft will weight different.  So take the Boeing 737 fleet as an example B-737-800 Operating empty 41,145kg (90,710lb), max takeoff 70,535kg (155,500lb), high gross weight max takeoff 79,015kg (174,200lb).  B-737-900 Operating empty 42,493kg (93,680lb), max takeoff 74,840kg (164,000lb), high gross weight max takeoff 79,015kg (174,200lb).

So there is really no clear cut answer to your question as average as it would depend on where you live and type of aircraft you are talking about.

One other thing to keep in mind is empty weight vs max take off weight.  These are two different weights and make a huge difference in flight performance.

The total gross weight authorized for any particular type of airplane must therefore never be exceeded. A pilot must be capable of estimating the proper ratio of fuel, oil and payload permissible for a flight of any given duration. The weight limitations of some general aviation airplanes do not allow for all seats to be filled, for the baggage compartment to be filled to capacity and for a full load of fuel as well. It is necessary, in this case, to choose between passengers, baggage and full fuel tanks.

The distribution of weight is also of vital importance since the position of the centre of gravity affects the stability of the airplane. In loading an airplane, the C.G. must be within the permissible range and remain so during the flight to ensure the stability and manoeuvrability of the airplane during flight.

Airplane manufacturers publish weight and balance limits for their airplanes. This information can be found in two sources:

1. The Aircraft Weight and Balance Report.

2. The Airplane Flight Manual.

The information in the Airplane Flight Manual is general for the particular model of airplane.

The information in the Aircraft Weight and Balance Report is particular to a specific airplane. The airplane with all equipment installed is weighed and the C.G. limits calculated and this information is tabulated on the report that accompanies the airplane logbooks. If alterations or modifications are made or additional equipment added to the airplane, the weight and balance must be recalculated and a new report prepared.