Plain English Meaning

Flying in a way that puts the aircraft outside what it was designed and approved to handle, so normal performance and safety margins can't be counted on.

Full Definition

Flight conditions in which the aircraft is being operated outside its certificated limits or in a state where its performance, structural integrity, or controllability can no longer be relied upon. In the context of weight, this refers to operations where the aircraft is loaded beyond approved weight or center-of-gravity limits, producing degraded takeoff, climb, maneuvering, or landing performance.

Context Anchor

Seen in weight and loading discussions when too much weight or poor loading reduces the ’s ability to , climb, turn, or land safely.