Soar to New Heights with the 2025 Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Practice Exam – Ready for Takeoff!

Wing loading is a vital concept in aviation that directly impacts an aircraft’s performance characteristics. It is calculated by dividing the total weight of an aircraft by its wing area. This measurement provides insight into how much weight each unit area of the wing has to support, influencing aspects like takeoff, landing, and maneuverability.

The correct choice captures this process accurately by specifying that total weight is divided by the wing area, including any ailerons if applicable. This inclusion is important because ailerons are part of the wing structure and can slightly affect the total wing area considered in performance calculations.

Understanding this calculation helps pilots assess how an aircraft will perform under different loading conditions. A higher wing loading often means the aircraft will require a higher speed for takeoff and landing, whereas a lower wing loading generally indicates better low-speed performance and maneuverability.