CASE STUDY REPORT

MAXIMUM TAKE-OFF WEIGHT (MTOW) OF AN AIRCRAFT

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 Table of Content

Chapter Content Page

1.0 Abstract 4

2.0 Introduction 4
3.0 Background 5

4.0 Theory 5

5.0 Table 6-7

6.0 Graph 7-14

7.0 Discussion 14-16

8.0 Conclusion 16
9.0 Reference 16

List of tables

Table Description Page

Table 5.1 Distribution of Weight for Adult, Male Passengers using 6

Certain Airport
in 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015.
Table 5.2 Statistical Values Based on Adult, Male Passengers’ 6
Weight using
Certain Airport in 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015.
Table 5.3 Prediction of Trend from 2020 to 2040. 7

Table 5.4 Confidence Interval 7

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 List of Figures
Figures Description Page
Figure 6.1 Frequency of Passengers’ Weight in Year 2000. 7
Figure 6.1.1 Cumulative Frequency of Passengers’ Weight in Year 2000. 8
Figure 6.2 Frequency of Passengers’ Weight in Year 2005. 8

Figure 6.2.1 Cumulative Frequency of Passengers’ Weight in Year 2005. 8

Figure 6.3 Frequency of Passengers’ Weight in Year 2010. 9

Figure 6.3.1 Cumulative Frequency of Passengers’ Weight in Year 2010. 9

Figure 6.4 Frequency of Passengers’ Weight in Year 2015. 9
Figure 6.4.1 Cumulative Frequency of Passengers’ Weight in Year 2015. 10
Figure 6.5 Mean of Passengers’ Weight. 10

Figure 6.6 Median of Passengers’ Weight 10

Figure 6.7 Mode of Passengers’ Weight 11

Figure 6.8 Standard Error of Passengers’ Weight 11

Figure 6.9 Maximum of Passengers’ Weight 11

Figure 6.10 Minimum of Passengers’ Weight 12

Figure 6.11 Prediction of Mean for Passengers’ Weight 12

Figure 6.12 Prediction of Median for Passengers’ Weight. 12

Figure 6.13 Prediction of Mode for Passengers’ Weight 13

Figure 6.14 Prediction of Maximum for Passengers’ Weight 13

Figure 6.15 Prediction of Minimum for Passengers’ Weight 13

Figure 6.16 Prediction of Confidence Interval for Passengers’ Weight. 14

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1.0 Abstract

The purpose of this case study is to calculate the maximum take-off weight (MTOW)
of an aircraft with the used of reference value that is usually used to represent the total weight
of each passenger onboard an aircraft. MTOW in this case study is calculated by using the
data of male adult passenger’s weight provided by certain airport. The data of passenger
weight will be statistically analysed to obtained the trend in passengers’ weight from 2000 to
2015 and predictions for the trend of passengers’ weight from 2020 to 2040 that covers about
85-80% of the total number of passengers.

2.0 Introduction

The maximum take-off weight mass (MTOM), often referred to as maximum take-off
weight (MTOW) of an aircraft is a value defined by the aircraft manufacturer. It is the
maximum mass at which the aircraft is certified for take-off due to structural and other limits.
MTOW is usually specified in unit of kilograms or pounds. The mass is a fixed value and
does not vary with changes in temperature, altitude or runway available. MTOW usually
includes the weight of aircraft together with weight of fuel, the passengers and the luggage it
carries. The weight of each passenger boarding the aircraft is much harder to be obtained
compare to the weight of fuel especially during busy flight since difference in weight of
passenger is determined by gender, age and health status. Therefore, reference value is used
to represent the weight of passengers to calculate the total weight of passenger. The objective
of this case study is to estimate the maximum take-off weight (MTOW) by measuring the
total passenger weight onboard with the data of adult male passenger provided by a certain
airport. Based on the data given, statistical analysis will be carried out to find the trend in the
passengers’ weight from the year 2000 to 2015 and to provide a accurate prediction of
passengers’ weight for the trend from the year 2020 to 2040.

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3.0 Background

Maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of an aircraft means the maximum weight that
the particular aircraft can handle for the take-off process. The MTOW is usually measured in
unit kilogram. The MTOW can be calculated by using reference value to represent the weight
of each passenger. The reference weight of passengers can be differentiated according to
gender and age group. The data of passenger’s weight (adult, male) using a certain airport are
provided as shown in Table 5.1.

4.0 Theory

In this statistical analysis, the mean, variance, standard deviation, and the confidence interval
are calculated. The formulas used are shown as such:

∑𝑓𝑥
𝑀𝑒𝑎𝑛, 𝑥̅ =
∑𝑓

∑𝑓𝑥 2 − (𝑛 − 𝜇 2 )
𝑉𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 =
𝑛−1

𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑑𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛, 𝜎 = √𝑉𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒

f = frequency, n = number of passengers, x = midpoint of the weight.

𝜎
𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑎𝑙 = 𝑥̅ ± 𝑧
√𝑛

New reasonable reference value for male passengers’ weight for the next 20 years, from 2020
to 2040 will be determined by using confidence interval with Z = 80% = 1.282.

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5.0 Table

Number of Passengers
weight Year Year Year Year
(kg) 2000 2005 2010 2015
< 40 102 99 72 75
41 - 45 682 576 560 542
46 - 50 977 930 970 955
51 - 55 1154 1134 1104 1096
56 - 60 1214 1293 1193 1209
61 - 65 1313 1292 1235 1233
66 - 70 1134 1022 1093 1112
71 - 75 947 961 992 1001
76 - 80 799 814 850 843
81 - 85 720 775 791 723
86 - 90 577 642 647 655
91 - 95 254 326 332 351
96 - 100 90 96 106 132
> 101 37 40 55 73
Table 5.1: Distribution of Weight for Adult, Male Passengers using Certain Airport
in 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015.

Timeline(year) mean min max standard deviation variance standard error

2000 64.97 103.00 63.00 14.19 201.28 16.03
2005 65.75 103.00 58.00 14.36 206.30 15.25
2010 66.14 103.00 63.00 14.44 208.40 14.86
2015 66.31 103.00 63.00 14.56 211.97 14.69

Timeline(year) mode median

2000 62.28 63.82
2005 60.48 64.25
2010 61.64 64.96
2015 61.33 65.05
Table 5.2: Statistical Values Based on Adult, Male Passengers’ Weight using
Certain Airport in 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015.

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Timeline(year) mean min max mode standard error median
2020 66.81 103 62.96 61.00 14.19 65.54
2025 67.24 103 62.96 60.68 13.76 65.97
2030 67.68 103 62.95 60.36 13.32 66.41
2035 68.11 103 62.94 60.04 12.89 66.84
2040 68.54 103 62.94 59.72 12.46 67.27
Table 5.3: Prediction of Trend from 2020 to 2040.

Year Confidence Interval (80%) Year Confidence Interval (80%)

2000 65.08 2000 64.86
2005 65.86 2005 65.64
2010 66.26 2010 66.02
2015 66.43 2015 66.19
2020 66.93 2020 66.70
2025 67.36 2025 67.13
2030 67.79 2030 67.56
2035 68.23 2035 67.99
2040 68.66 2040 68.42
Average 66.96 Average 66.72
Confidence Interval (80%) for
2020-2040 66.84
Table 5.4: Confidence Interval

6.0 Graph

Year 2000
1400
Number of Passenger

1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
< 40 41 - 46 - 51 - 56 - 61 - 66 - 71 - 76 - 81 - 86 - 91 - 96 - > 101
45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100
Weight(kg)

Figure 6.1: Frequency of Passengers’ Weight in Year 2000.

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 Year 2000
12000
Number of Passenger

10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Weight(kg)

Figure 6.1.1: Cumulative Frequency of Passengers’ Weight in Year 2000.

Year 2005
1400
Number of Passenger

1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
< 40 41 - 46 - 51 - 56 - 61 - 66 - 71 - 76 - 81 - 86 - 91 - 96 - > 101
45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100
Weight(kg)

Figure 6.2: Frequency of Passengers’ Weight in Year 2005.

Year 2005
12000
Number of Passenger

10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Weight(kg)

Figure 6.2.1: Cumulative Frequency of Passengers’ Weight in Year 2005.

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 Year 2010
1400
Number of Passenger

1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
< 40 41 - 46 - 51 - 56 - 61 - 66 - 71 - 76 - 81 - 86 - 91 - 96 - > 101
45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100
Weight(kg)

Figure 6.3: Frequency of Passengers’ Weight in Year 2010.

Year 2010
12000
Number of Passenger

10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Weight(kg)

Figure 6.3.1: Cumulative Frequency of Passengers’ Weight in Year 2010.

Year 2015
1400
Number of Passenger

1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
< 40 41 - 46 - 51 - 56 - 61 - 66 - 71 - 76 - 81 - 86 - 91 - 96 - > 101
45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100
Weight(kg)

Figure 6.4: Frequency of Passengers’ Weight in Year 2015.

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 Year 2015
12000
Number of Passenger
10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Weight(kg)

Figure 6.4.1: Cumulative Frequency of Passengers’ Weight in Year 2015.

Mean of Passenger's Weight

67.00

66.50
y = 0.0879x - 110.73
Weight(kg)

66.00

65.50

65.00

64.50
1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016
Year

Figure 6.5: Mean of Passengers’ Weight.

Median of Passenger's Weight

65.40
65.20 y = 0.0885x - 113.05
65.00
Weight(kg)

64.80
64.60
64.40
64.20
64.00
63.80
63.60
1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016
Year

Figure 6.6: Median of Passengers’ Weight

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 Mode of Passenger's Weight
62.50
y = -0.034x + 129.65
62.00
Weight(kg)

61.50
61.00
60.50
60.00
1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016
Year

Figure 6.7: Mode of Passengers’ Weight

Standard error of Passenger's Weight

16.50
16.00
Weight(kg)

15.50
15.00
y = -0.0879x + 191.73
14.50
14.00
1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016
Year

Figure 6.8: Standard Error of Passengers’ Weight

Max of Passenger's Weight

64.00
63.00
62.00
Weight(kg)

61.00
y = 0.1x - 139
60.00
59.00
58.00
57.00
1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016
Year

Figure 6.9: Maximum of Passengers’ Weight

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 Min of Passenger's Weight
120.00
100.00
Weight(kg)

80.00 y = 103
60.00
40.00
20.00
0.00
1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016
Year

Figure 6.10: Minimum of Passengers’ Weight

Prediction of Mean for Passengers' Weight

69
68 y = 0.0846x - 103.99
Weight(kg0

67
66
65
64
1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045
Year

Figure 6.11: Prediction of Mean for Passengers’ Weight

Prediction of Median for Passengers' Weight

68
y = 0.0846x - 105.39
67
Weight(kg)

66
65
64
63
1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045
Year

Figure 6.12: Prediction of Median for Passengers’ Weight.

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 Prediction of Mode for Passengers' Weight
62.50
62.00

Weight(kg)
61.50
61.00
60.50
60.00
59.50
1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050
Year

Figure 6.13: Prediction of Mode for Passengers’ Weight

Prediction of Max for Passengers' Weight

64.00
63.00
Weight(kg)

62.00
61.00
60.00
59.00
58.00
57.00
1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050
Year

Figure 6.14: Prediction of Maximum for Passengers’ Weight

Prediction of Min for Passengers' Weight

120.00
100.00
Weight(kg)

80.00
60.00
40.00
20.00
0.00
1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050
Year

Figure 6.15: Prediction of Minimum for Passengers’ Weight

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 Prediction of Confidence Interval
69.00
68.50 y = 0.0846x - 103.95
68.00

Weight(kg)
67.50
67.00
66.50
66.00
65.50
65.00
64.50
1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050
Year

Figure 6.16: Prediction of Confidence Interval for Passengers’ Weight.

7.0 Discussion

1) In this case study, data are collected and recorded in Table 5.1 for each year with
graphs plotted in the form of bar graph to represent the data of weight of adult, male
passengers from year 2000 to 2015. From figure 6.1, we can see the relationship between the
number of passengers and their weight in year 2000. The bell-curve shape that can be clearly
seen shows that a normal distribution is obtained. According to the graph figure 6.1, we are
able to read the highest frequency of passengers’ weight is 1313 people at the weight range
61-65kg while the lowest frequency of passengers’ weight is 37 people at >101kg weight
range. In year 2000, the mean calculated is 64.97kg, standard deviation is 14.19, variance is
201.28, and the standard error is 16.03kg. Cumulative frequency of the data in year 2000 is
shown in Figure 6.1.1. From figure 6.2, we can see the relationship between the number of
passengers and their weight in year 2005. The bell-curve shape that can be clearly seen shows
that a normal distribution is obtained. According to the graph figure 6.2, we are able to read
the highest frequency of passengers’ weight is 1293 people at the weight range 61-65kg while
the lowest frequency of passengers’ weight is 40 people at >101kg weight range. In year
2005, the mean obtained is 65.75kg, standard deviation is 14.36, variance is 206.30, and the
standard error is 15.25kg. Cumulative frequency of the data in year 2005 is shown in Figure
6.2.1. From figure 6.3, we can see the relationship between the number of passengers and
their weight in year 2010. The bell-curve shape that can be clearly seen shows that a normal
distribution is obtained. According to the graph figure 6.3, we are able to read the highest
frequency of passengers’ weight is 1235 people at the weight range 61-65kg while the lowest

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frequency of passengers’ weight is 55 people at >101kg weight range. In year 2010, the mean
obtained is 66.14kg, standard deviation is 14.44, variance is 208.40, and the standard error is
14.86kg. Cumulative frequency of the data in year 2010 is shown in Figure 6.3.1. From figure
6.4, we can see the relationship between the number of passengers and their weight in year
2015. The bell-curve shape that can be clearly seen shows that a normal distribution is
obtained. According to the graph figure 6.4, we are able to read the highest frequency of
passengers’ weight is 1233 people at the weight range 61-65kg while the lowest frequency of
passengers’ weight is 73 people at >101kg weight range. In year 2015, the mean obtained is
66.31kg, standard deviation is 14.56, variance is 211.97, and the standard error is 14.69kg.
Cumulative frequency of the data in year 2015 is shown in Figure 6.4.1.

The data in Table 5.2 shows the statistical value according to adult, male passengers’
weight using certain airport in year 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015 with graphs of mean, median,
mode, standard error, maximum, and minimum plotted. Based on Figure 6.5, the graph for
mean of passengers’ weight from year 2000 to year 2015 is increasing linearly with line
equation y = 0.0879x - 110.73. Based on Figure 6.6, the graph for median of passengers’
weight is a increasing line with line equation y = 0.0885x - 113.05. Based on Figure 6.7, the
graph for mode of passengers’ weight shows an inconsistent line graph with line equation y =
-0.034x + 129.65. Based on Figure 6.8, the graph for standard error of passengers’ weight is
decreasing linearly with line equation y = -0.0879x + 191.73. Based on Figure 6.9, the graph
for maximum frequency of passengers’ weight shows an inconsistent line with line equation
y = 0.1x – 139. Based on Figure 6.10, the graph for minimum frequency of passengers’
weight shows a horizontal graph with line equation y = 103, which means the minimum
passengers’ weight is consistent for each year.

2) Based on Table 5.3, data of prediction for trend from year 2020 to year 2040 is
recorded and shown. In Figure 6.11, the graph of prediction of mean for passengers’ weight is
directly proportional as the weight increases linearly with years. In Figure 6.12, the graph of
prediction of median for passengers’ weight is also directly proportional as the weight
increases from 65.54kg in year 2020 to 67.27kg in year 2040. In Figure 6.13, the graph of
prediction of mode for passengers’ weight is decreasing linearly from 61.00kg in year 2020
to 59.72kg in year 2040. In Figure 6.14, the graph of prediction of maximum frequency for
passengers’ weight shows minor changes from 62.96kg in year 2020 to 62.94kg in year 2040.

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In Figure 6.15, the graph of prediction of minimum frequency for passengers’ weight remain
constant at 103kg at every year. In Figure 6.16, the graph of prediction of confidence interval
for passengers’ weight shows an increasing linearly line with line equation y = 0.0846x -
103.95.

3) The reasonable reference value for weight of an adult male passenger is about 80%
with its validity of 66.84kg from year 2020 to year 2040. The confidence interval of 80% of
year 2020 to year 2040 is predicted by using value of confidence interval of 80% calculated
for year 2000 to year 2015. Then, the average value for confidence interval is obtained
though calculation, which is 66.84kg. This can clearly be seen in Table 5.4.

8.0 Conclusion

In short, we were able to obtain the data for weight of adult male passengers via
statistical analysis. We can use the value of mean for weight of adult male passengers from
year 2000 to year 2015 to calculate the prediction with forecast statistical analysis which has
the same result with median of adult male passengers’ weight as both graphs are increasing
linearly over years. For mode of passengers’ weight, the graph will decrease over years. We
were also able to see that the maximum and minimum weight of adult male passengers is
consistent over years with most male passengers’ weight estimated around 63kg while least
male passengers’ weight is estimated around 103kg. With the use of statistical analysis, a
reference value of 80% confidence interval can be obtained, which is 66.84kg.

9.0 Reference

• https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Maximum_Take-
Off_Mass_(MTOM)#:~:text=The%20maximum%20takeoff%20mass%20(MTOM,un
its%20of%20kilograms%20or%20pounds.
• https://www.thebalancecareers.com/maximum-takeoff-weight-mtow-282722

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