Plain English Meaning

The weight an airplane loses as it uses up fuel during flight. As fuel burns off, the aircraft gets lighter, and its balance point can shift depending on where the fuel tanks are located.

Full Definition

The reduction in aircraft weight that occurs as fuel is consumed during flight. In weight and balance calculations, fuel burnoff must be accounted for because it changes both the total weight of the aircraft and the location of the center of gravity, since fuel is stored in tanks that sit at specific arms from the reference datum.

Context Anchor

Seen in weight-and-balance calculations when checking whether the aircraft will remain within limits at takeoff, during flight, and at landing after fuel has been used.