What do air traffic controllers mean when they refer to an aircraft as "heavy"?

Question

I hear the phrase all the time... Delta 409-heavy, etc. Is it something as simple as a large aircraft?

Answer 1

Do you people even have a clue?



The "heavy" designation refers to an aircraft that is certificated to operate at a maximum gross takeoff weight greater than 255,000 pounds. It doesn't matter what it actually does weigh on takeoff, but whether or not it it is certificated to operate above 255,000 pounds.



From http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/orders_notices/air_traffic_orders/media/7110.65R.pdf



"a. Heavy. Aircraft capable of takeoff weights of

more than 255,000 pounds whether or not they are

operating at this weight during a particular phase of

flight.



b. Large. Aircraft of more than 41,000 pounds,

maximum certificated takeoff weight, up to

255,000 pounds.



c. Small. Aircraft of 41,000 pounds or less

maximum certificated takeoff weight."





Kevin is also correct, except I have been a 757 pilot since 1999 and the -200 are not "heavy" as max weight is only 228,000. But the -300 is considered heavy because it is over 255,000. One interesting note, some -200's used as ETOPS are exactly 255,000, but the book says "more than" 255,000 so the ETOPS 757's, unless more than 255,000 do not use the "heavy" designator.



Those interested further should check the link I posted as it will say "757 and heavy jets" when referring to wake turbulence and separation.



But the guy asking the question only asked what heavy meant, not about wake turbulence or aircraft separation.

Answer 2

All of the above are true but that's not why aircraft are called heavy. Its to do with the amount of turbulence at low level the aircraft produces, in the trade its known as wake turbulence. All of the communication between aircraft and the ground is done by radio and often, controllers and other pilots cannot see the aircraft concerned. The amount of distance between aircraft or spacing is directly proportional to the size of the aircraft. When the flight plan is filed the pilots append the suffix heavy rather than the controllers. As the flight progresses everyone who hears the call-sign knows that they are dealing with a potentially dangerous situation if they get too close or indeed, if they let another aircraft get too close. To give you an example, a light aircraft following a jumbo jet onto a landing runway in the UK would need to be a minimum of 4 miles and preferably 8 miles behind it to avoid being flipped over. That's why.

Answer 3

Tarkill is 100% correct except one thing. The B757 is also classified as heavy even though it has a max takeoff weight in the large category not the heavy category (except the much less common 300 model). The reason is the design and weight, which is on the threshold of heavy category, of the 757 produces as much wake turbulance as most heavy aircraft.



Additionally the presidential aircraft is never refered to as heavy regardless of weight category.

Answer 4

The term "heavy" alerts air traffic controllers to provide extra spacing behind very large aircraft like the DC-10, B-777, B-747, etc. These "heavy" aircraft generate significant "wake turbulence," which is defined by the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO) as "the effect of two rotating air masses generated behind the wingtips of aircraft."

Answer 5

Well, Tarkill nailed it already. Also, in case this was left out. A Boeing 757 is classified as a heavy, even though it has a normal MTOW of only 220,000 lbs. This is because it puts off one nasty wake..one that can roll a 737 on it's back. Well, hope this helps, and if you want to know more about wake from a 757..you can message me..I found some on a descent into DFW a few years back..



Jonathan S

ATP-LRJET,HS-125

CFI/AGI

Answer 6

It's just full of passengers, freight, fuel or all three.

It needs maximum runway both for takeoff and landing.

A heavy 747-400 has to reach approx 215 mph at 70 f for take off. It gets a little more life when the air is cooler.



Hope I was able to help a little



Eauz

Answer 7

it is the clear stating of the category of wake turbulence. this is done to incerase separations between the takingoff and landing aircrafrt. if not increased, the vortices in the air would be able to turn smaller - lighter aircraft upside down.



the heavy category starts at 165 tons of takeoff weight. /unverified/

Answer 8

Trkll hit the nail on the head

Answer 9

Yep, large aircraft (such as a 747).

Answer 10

Tarkill hit on the head..

its based on MTOW..

Answer 11

It signifies to the air traffic controller that the aircraft has passengers on board.

Answer 12

A wide body

Answer 13

it means it will take longer to take off because it is loaded down with alot of luggage and or people with the temperatures and wind factored in...i use to be a flight attendant...