What is the Performance Limited Takeoff Mass (PLTOM) affected by?

The Performance Limited Takeoff Mass (PLTOM) is fundamentally influenced by departure airfield considerations. This takes into account various factors related to the specific airport from which an aircraft operates, including runway length, altitude, temperature, and weather conditions.

At higher altitudes or temperatures, the air density decreases, which can reduce engine performance and therefore the aircraft's ability to take off efficiently. If the runway is shorter or has obstacles at its end, the aircraft may need to limit its weight to ensure it can safely take off within the available distance. Thus, these operational variables at the departure airfield play a crucial role in determining the maximum weight at which the aircraft can safely take off, leading to the concept of Performance Limited Takeoff Mass.

Understanding that aircraft design and weight, passenger capacity, and global regulations also impinge on overall operational capability, they are not direct factors affecting PLTOM in the same manner that specific airfield conditions do. Those elements influence the aircraft's general performance and compliance but are secondary when it comes to the immediate limitations experienced at a particular departure point.