Mass Limits

Four mass limits govern this aeroplane, and three of them have a second, higher value that applies only where a particular design change advisory is embodied. There is no such thing as the DA 40 NG maximum take-off mass in the abstract.

At a glance

• Take-off mass, base aeroplane1280 kg (2822 lb)
• Take-off mass with MÄM 40-6621310 kg (2888 lb)
• Landing mass, base aeroplane1216 kg (2681 lb)
• Landing mass with MÄM 40-5741280 kg (2822 lb)
• Zero fuel mass, base aeroplane1200 kg (2646 lb)
• Zero fuel mass with MÄM 40-5741265 kg (2789 lb)
• Minimum flight mass940 kg (2072 lb)
• Maximum ramp mass allowance4 kg (9 lb) above maximum take-off mass

The four limits

For take-off the ceiling is 1280 kg (2822 lb), or 1310 kg (2888 lb) on an airframe carrying MÄM 40-662. For landing it is 1216 kg (2681 lb), or 1280 kg (2822 lb) with MÄM 40-574. With the tanks empty the ceiling is 1200 kg (2646 lb), or 1265 kg (2789 lb) — again with MÄM 40-574. At the other end, the aeroplane may not fly lighter than 940 kg (2072 lb).

Two things are worth pinning down. The figure 1280 kg is a take-off mass on a basic aeroplane and a landing mass on a modified one, so it must always be quoted with the limit it belongs to. And MÄM 40-574 moves two limits at once: landing mass and zero fuel mass.

WARNING — Exceeding the mass limits leads to overstressing of the airplane and to degraded flight characteristics and flight performance.

The ramp allowance

NOTE — In a country whose rules start the flight at engine start, a ramp mass 4 kg (9 lb) over the take-off maximum is approved. The aeroplane must still be within the take-off limit by the time it leaves the ground.

Four kilograms is roughly what the engine burns before it leaves the ground, and the concession is conditional on the national definition of when a flight begins. The take-off limit itself is untouched.

Check yourself

• What are the maximum take-off masses with and without MÄM 40-662?

• Which advisory raises both the maximum landing mass and the maximum zero fuel mass, and to what figures?

• What is the minimum flight mass?

• In which two different limits does the figure 1280 kg appear?

• What does the ramp mass allowance permit, and what condition attaches to it?

Study aid — always fly your aircraft's current AFM/POH.