What makes an aircraft "heavy"?

[flyer80]

I did a little searching and I think it's 225,000 pounds. Can anyone confirm this?

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[towergeek]

Hiya,

Take a look here:

http://www.pilotfriend.com/wake%20turbulence/WAKE%20TURBULENCE1.htm

Chuck

[happydude]

greater than 300,000 pound takeoff weight

Earl

[Qballbandit]

LAST EDITED ON Nov-30-02 AT 11:46AM (EST)[p]If I am correct the term "HEAVY" when apllied to wide bodies, was designated not for the weight factor, but because wide bodies need larger turn-radiuses and a wider birth for vectoring in general. This is what my father told me..he flew 74's for Pan Am back in the 70's...

[rsmith6621]

A 757 that weighs more than 250thousand pounds is considered a HEAVY.



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[flyer80]

Hmmm, seems we have a difference of opinion here. :)

OK, I think I just answered my own question. The reason I was asking was I was wondering which aircraft should have the "heavy" label when talking to ATC. I just looked on faa.gov and I found this:

AIRCRAFT WEIGHT CLASSES

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.

Here is the link:

http://www2.faa.gov/atpubs/ATC/Appendices/atcapda.html

A little further down it has a listing of hundreds of aircraft types along with the ATC Type Designator (i.e. a Boeing 747-200 is a B742) a description (4J/H -- 4 engine jet/heavy) and climb and decent rates. Very cool!


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[Qballbandit]

Maybe the weight does come into play then, since obviously a heavier aircraft needs a larger turn vector, etc. interesting. If my father was still alive, rest his soul, i'd have him get on here and chat about it. Have a nice day!

[lnuss]

The 300,000 lb. takeoff weight normally is the "heavy" criterion, but certain aircraft, such as the 757 have earned that designation because of their characteristics.

The primary reason for a "heavy" designation is because of the strength of the wake turbulence that the aircraft generates, and the 757 generates a worse wake turbulence than most others of its weight (this was discovered the hard way -- in blood), so it gained that designation.

Larry N.

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