Payload calculation scenario 1: Determine payload. Empty weight 7200 lbs, Crew 450 lbs, Fuel 1800 lbs, Takeoff Weight 12600 lbs.

• A. 3150 lbs
• B. 2250 lbs
• C. 9450 lbs
• D. 4950 lbs

Answer: (A)

Payload is the weight of passengers and cargo carried on the flight, with crew and fuel counted separately toward the takeoff weight. The takeoff weight equals empty weight plus payload plus crew plus fuel. Solve for payload: payload = takeoff weight - empty weight - crew - fuel. Plugging in the numbers: 12600 - 7200 - 450 - 1800 = 3150 pounds. This matches the payload in pounds carried by passengers and cargo. If you attempted to compute payload as takeoff weight minus empty weight minus fuel, you’d get 3600 pounds, which would incorrectly include the crew as part of payload.