I would be very confident to say, that the weight restrictions are due to the aircraft's weight/balance considerations for that particular runway, at that moment for runway length and surface condition (concrete, short grass, long grass, sand, mud), temperature, runway slope, flight path obstructions, and wind conditions. It could be if you wait for a later flight, when the air is cooler, or wind conditions changed, the weight could be allowed. Each aircraft has a set of operating limitations that are approved by the FAA (or your countries equivalent) and published in the pilot's manual. This will have the required runway length for the prevailing conditions. Departure flight path obstructions - it may take several miles to turn an aircraft in an area of hilly terrain to clear the obstructions. And yes, there is a fairly small fuel savings with a lighter aircraft, but there is a required minimum fuel to arrive with at the destination to provide for safety from running out of fuel due to the unexpected. Any fuel left behind, doesn't help if there are unforeseen weather, traffic, an accident closing runway, etc. Gasoline weighs 6 lbs./gallon. Here are some links to info: http://sportys.com/PilotShop/product/9305 http://www.findmysoft.com/pda_mobile/DSSTop-Takeoff-Performance-Computer-for-Pocket-PC-download.html There are sloped runways that always land uphill and depart downhill, and all sorts of what sounds goofy operating restrictions unless one is familiar with the physics of flight. Richard Prosser wrote: > Is that policy due to consideration for the baggage handlers or > because of the plane's lower lift capacity in hot air? > > I does sound a bit harsh if it's just to save a bit of sweat. > > RP > > 2010/1/24 Justin Richards : > >> No warning, just depends on the heat and number of passengers. >> >>> Anyway, what do you mean by they have dropped the luggage allowance to >>> 8kg? They did not mention that before the departure? >>> >>> Tamas >>> >>> >> -- >> http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive >> View/change your membership options at >> http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist >> >> -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist