Definition
The maximum weight approved for ground maneuvering, including the weight of fuel that will be burned during engine start, taxi, and run-up before takeoff. It is slightly higher than the maximum takeoff weight to account for that pre-takeoff fuel burn.
Plain English
The heaviest the airplane is allowed to be while it is still on the ground moving around. It is a little more than the takeoff limit because the airplane will burn off some fuel starting up and taxiing before it actually lifts off.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft weight-and-balance data, loading calculations, and preflight planning before departure.
Derivation
From 'ramp,' the paved area where aircraft park and taxi. The 'ramp weight' is literally what the aircraft weighs while still on the ramp, before any taxi fuel has been burned.
Why Pilots Care
Exceeding this limit risks structural damage to landing gear or airframe during taxi and can cause loss of control or performance shortfalls on takeoff.
Intuition Check
Do not read “maximum” as a target weight; it is a limit. Also, maximum ramp weight is not the same as maximum takeoff weight—the ramp limit may be slightly higher because fuel will be burned before takeoff.
Example Sentence 1
After fueling, the pilot checked that the loaded airplane was below the maximum ramp weight before starting the engine.
Example Sentence 2
Adding last-minute baggage pushed the airplane close to maximum ramp weight, so the crew offloaded ten gallons of fuel to stay legal.