Definition
The greatest weight at which an aircraft is certificated to land under normal operating conditions. It is set by the manufacturer based on the structural limits of the landing gear and airframe during touchdown loads, and it is always equal to or less than the maximum takeoff weight.
Plain English
The heaviest the aircraft is allowed to be when its wheels touch the runway. Land heavier than this and you risk damaging the structure.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft weight-and-balance planning, performance charts, and operating limitations before a flight that may land with a heavy fuel or cargo load.
Derivation
Maximum comes from Latin maximus, meaning “greatest.” Landing refers to bringing the aircraft back onto the ground. Together, the term means the greatest weight allowed for that landing.
Why Pilots Care
Landing above this weight risks gear collapse, brake failure, or running off the end of the runway.
Intuition Check
Do not assume the airplane may land at the same weight it used for takeoff. Maximum Landing Weight is the landing limit, and it may be lower than the maximum takeoff weight.
Example Sentence 1
After the engine indication problem, the crew held overhead the airport to burn fuel down to maximum landing weight before returning.
Example Sentence 2
The short runway required the pilot to reduce weight below maximum landing weight by circling to consume extra fuel.