Definition
The maximum weight at which a multi-engine transport-category aircraft can meet the certified climb gradient required during a missed approach with one engine inoperative, the operating engine(s) at takeoff thrust, the landing gear retracted, and flaps set to the approach position.
Plain English
It is the heaviest the aircraft is allowed to be while still being able to climb away safely from a missed approach if one engine has failed. If the aircraft is heavier than this number, it cannot guarantee the climb performance the regulations require.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft performance charts, landing planning, and dispatch calculations when checking whether the airplane is light enough to climb away instead of landing.
Derivation
"Approach climb" refers to the climb performance required during a go-around from an approach. "Limit weight" means the maximum weight at which that performance can still be met. Combined, the term names the weight ceiling set by approach-climb performance.
Why Pilots Care
It sets the upper limit on takeoff weight so the airplane retains enough performance to climb safely during a missed approach or go-around with an engine out.
Grounding Statement
Picture being close to landing, then adding power and climbing away while one engine is out; this limit says how heavy the airplane can be and still make that required climb.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as the target weight for flying the approach. It is a maximum weight based on the airplane’s ability to climb away from the approach if the landing is not continued.
Example Sentence 1
After running the performance numbers, the crew confirmed their landing weight was below the approach climb limit weight for the destination airport.
Example Sentence 2
With the actual landing weight below the approach climb limit weight, the airplane retained adequate climb capability if an engine failed during the approach.