Enter the planned fuel burn, max allowable landing weight, zero fuel weight, and fuel already on board to calculate the maximum fuel uplift.

Fuel Uplift Calculator

Uplift (MLW)
Mass ↔ Volume
Block Fuel

Enter any 4 values to calculate the missing variable

Fuel Uplift Formula

The following equation is used to calculate the maximum fuel uplift limited by the maximum allowable landing weight (MLW). Other limits (e.g., maximum takeoff weight, maximum ramp weight, tank capacity, and structural limits) may further restrict the actual uplift.

MFUL = (FPFB+MALW) - ZFW - FAOB
  • Where MFUL is the maximum fuel uplift (weight: kg or lb)
  • FPFB is the flight planned fuel burn (weight: kg or lb)
  • MALW is the maximum allowable landing weight (weight: kg or lb)
  • ZFW is the zero fuel weight (weight: kg or lb)
  • FAOB is the fuel weight already on board (weight: kg or lb)

To calculate the fuel uplift, add together the flight planned fuel burn and maximum allowable landing weight, then subtract the zero fuel weight and the fuel weight already on board. Use consistent units throughout (all kg or all lb).

What is a Fuel Uplift?

Definition:

A fuel uplift is the amount of fuel added to an aircraft during refueling (often recorded as a weight and/or volume). In this calculator, “maximum fuel uplift” means the maximum additional fuel you can load without exceeding the maximum allowable landing weight after the planned fuel burn, assuming other limits are not restrictive.

How to Calculate Fuel Uplift?

Example Problem:

The following example outlines the steps and information needed to calculate Fuel Uplift.

First, determine the flight planned fuel burn. In this case, the planned burn is 110,000 lbs.

Next, determine the maximum allowable landing weight. This is determined to be 310,000 lbs.

Next, determine the zero fuel weight. This is found to be 240,000 lbs.

Next, determine the fuel already on board. In this example, there is only 25,000 lbs on board.

Finally, calculate the maximum fuel uplift.

MFUL = (FPFB+MALW) – ZFW – FAOB

MFUL = (110000+310000) – 240000 – 25000

MFUL = 155,000 lbs

FAQ

What factors can affect the maximum fuel uplift calculation for an aircraft?

Several factors can influence the maximum fuel uplift calculation, including aircraft weight limits, fuel density variations due to temperature, the anticipated weight of cargo and passengers, and regulatory requirements for reserve fuel.

How does the zero fuel weight (ZFW) impact an aircraft’s performance?

The zero fuel weight (ZFW) is an important planning weight because it is the aircraft’s weight without usable fuel. Together with the planned fuel load, it helps determine takeoff and landing weights, which in turn affect takeoff/landing distances, climb performance, and fuel efficiency.

Why is it important to accurately calculate the flight planned fuel burn (FPFB)?

Accurately calculating the flight planned fuel burn is essential for ensuring flight safety, optimizing fuel consumption, and minimizing operational costs. It helps in planning for sufficient fuel to reach the destination, including reserves for unexpected situations.