What does "overweight landing" signify?

"Overweight landing" signifies a situation where the aircraft’s landing weight exceeds the maximum limit specified by the manufacturer. This scenario often arises from various factors, such as unplanned fuel burn or delays, resulting in the aircraft approaching its landing phase with more weight than recommended.

When an aircraft lands overweight, it may face enhanced structural stresses, potential issues with landing gear, and complications related to braking performance. Therefore, pilots and dispatchers must be aware of the maximum landing weight limits to ensure safety and compliance with operational guidelines.

In contrast, landing under the maximum weight restrictions indicates a normal operation, while landing below standard operating conditions does not pertain to being overweight. The concept of successful fuel management refers to the effective planning and usage of fuel for safe operations, but it does not imply an overweight landing scenario. Thus, the definition aligns precisely with the understanding of weight limits and operational safety for aircraft landings.