What does Basic Empty Weight include in an aircraft’s specification?

Basic Empty Weight includes the weight of the aircraft with all of its standard equipment and any optional equipment that is installed on the aircraft. This encompasses the airframe, powerplant, and permanently installed equipment, along with unusable fuel, and full operating fluids (such as oil, hydraulic fluids, and coolant).

It is important to note that Basic Empty Weight does not include usable fuel or payload. This distinction is critical for pilots when calculating the aircraft's weight and balance, as it provides a foundational reference for keeping the aircraft within its operational limits. Understanding how Basic Empty Weight interacts with other weight categories—like maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) or useful load—is essential for safe flight planning and performance calculations.