AFOQT Practice Test

What is included in the Operating Empty Weight (OEW)?

1. Only the weight of the aircraft structure

2. The crew, fluids, and unusable fuel

3. Total weight including baggage and passengers

4. Only useful fuel and consumable fluids

The correct answer is: The crew, fluids, and unusable fuel

Operating Empty Weight (OEW) is a critical metric in aviation that refers to the weight of an aircraft when it is equipped for a flight but not loaded with passengers, cargo, or usable fuel. It encompasses various components that are essential for the operation of the aircraft. The correct option highlights that OEW includes the weight of the crew, fluids such as oil and hydraulic fluid, and unusable fuel, which is the portion of fuel that cannot be used during flight. This definition is important because it provides a comprehensive view of the mass that affects the aircraft's performance and balance. It prepares the crew and flight planners for understanding the aircraft’s load capabilities and fuel efficiency. In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the components of OEW. For example, only accounting for the weight of the aircraft structure omits critical factors that contribute to the operational readiness of the aircraft. Similarly, including all passengers and baggage would shift the metric from OEW to the more comprehensive weight categories, such as Gross Weight, which is not the intent of the OEW definition. Finally, focusing solely on useful fuel and consumable fluids ignores the necessary non-usable aspects that impact weight considerations prior to departure. Thus, the correct understanding of OEW ensures better