If a plane is too heavy to land, the pilots have several options to reduce the aircraft's weight before attempting a landing, and after an overweight landing, thorough inspections are mandatory.
Here's a breakdown of the situation:
Immediate Actions to Reduce Weight
If a plane finds itself overweight for landing, the crew will usually implement the following strategies to mitigate the situation:
- Burn off fuel: This is the most common method. Aircraft are designed to carry extra fuel for contingencies, and this excess fuel can be jettisoned by flying around in a safe area, reducing the aircraft's weight to within acceptable landing limits.
- Hold: The pilots will often hold the plane in a safe location to burn fuel.
- Assess the situation: A detailed assessment of the plane's weight, runway length, and weather conditions is necessary.
Overweight Landing Considerations
If an immediate landing is necessary due to an emergency and the plane is still overweight, the pilots will:
- Land with caution: An overweight landing places greater stress on the aircraft's structure and landing gear. The pilots must execute a smooth landing to minimize this stress.
- Prepare for potential issues: Overweight landings can increase the risk of tire failures, brake overheating, and structural damage.
Post-Landing Procedures
- Thorough Inspection: According to provided information, the aircraft must undergo a thorough inspection to assess any potential damage after an overweight landing. This inspection is crucial because the added stress on the aircraft's structure and landing gear can lead to issues that may not be immediately apparent.
- Maintenance: Any identified damage must be repaired before the aircraft can be returned to service.
