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by Av8trxx on April 6th, 2007
Specifically, this is definition of "heavy" from the FAA Airmans Information Manual:
Aircraft Classes
For the purposes of Wake Turbulence Separation Minima, ATC classifies aircraft as Heavy, Large, and Small as follows:
(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
"Heavy" is always used as part of a flights call sign when the aircraft meets the criteria. The term most often applies to widebody aircraft as narrowbodies seldom make that weight limit.
However there is a noteable exception:
Prior to the introduction of the Boeing 757, the cut off weight was 300,000lbs. However it was lowered after a series of wake turbulence accidents and incidents involving the B757 as the leading aircraft, the landing separation standards were modified in 1996 by creating a new category just for the B757. The new weight cut-off for Heavy aircraft was set at 255,001 lbs. In the Fall of 1996, a stretch version of the B757-200 was introduced: the B757-300 series, which had the same wingspan as the B757-200 (124.8 ft). Due to the extended fuselage, the maximum takeoff weight (270,000 lbs) was no longer within the weight limits for the B757 class and so the "large" class narrowbody B757-300 is considered a "heavy" class. Due to the unique characteristics of the 757, for wake turbulence separation all models of the airliner are treated as "heavies" even if they don't meet the weight requirement.
For those who like small government..should the FAA oversee the safety of air travel or butt out? Without the FAA would you still fly?
by RosieGHM Jetpacker on September 12th, 2011
| 3 people like this
How is Air Force One started? I know big planes don't have keys, but this is Air Force One. Shouldn't there be a key/code, something?
by Serenit E_N on September 4th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
What would you do if there was a sleeping baby on your plane and you haven't cried for 2 days?
by Andy B has left AB on October 13th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
What would you do if an eight armed elephant started throwing trucks, knocking down buildings, and eating the fighter jets sent to stop him?
by Have A Nice Day on September 4th, 2011
| 4 people like this
Has radar technology in commercial aircraft really become more advanced or changed much in technical terms over the last 30 years?
by NiCkIzBacK on June 8th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
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