Definition
The maximum total weight at which an aircraft is approved by its manufacturer and certifying authority to land. This figure is published in the aircraft's type certificate data sheet and approved flight manual, and includes the airframe, fuel remaining, occupants, cargo, and any other items aboard at the moment of touchdown.
Plain English
The heaviest the whole aircraft is allowed to be when its wheels touch down on the runway, as set by the manufacturer and approved by the regulator.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flying when determining landing minimums and aircraft approach category, especially where speeds are based on the aircraft’s approved landing weight.
Derivation
Certified' comes from Latin certus ('settled, sure') -- meaning officially approved by an authority. 'Gross' here is the older sense meaning 'whole' or 'total' (as in gross weight versus net), not 'large' or 'unpleasant'. Together: the total weight that has been officially approved for landing.
Why Pilots Care
Landing above this weight risks structural damage and may require more runway than is available.
Intuition Check
Gross does not mean unpleasant here; it means total weight. Certified does not just mean written down; it means officially approved for that aircraft.
Example Sentence 1
After the engine problem on climb-out, the crew held over the bay to burn off fuel until the aircraft was below its certified gross landing weight.
Example Sentence 2
The approach briefing included a check of certified gross landing weight against the planned arrival weight.