Flight xxxx \"Heavy\"

[EHM-1821 Javier]

When do i use the callsign "heavy" on a plane? is it determined by the aircraft's size or weight or both?:|

[EHM-0654 Murray]

Quoting a post I found on another forum:

"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."

The exception to this is the 757- in the US only, it is considered a "heavy" due to the need for additional separation from other aircraft and its unique wake vorticies.

In the US, "heavy" is used in the terminal areas only- ground, tower, departure and approach. When talking to Center, you are supposed to drop the heavy. But we all mess up, controllers too, and use it at other times. Not a huge deal.

[EHM-1651 Christian]

Or in KG  over 150000kg

[EHM-1001 Robert]

At EuroHarmony, Class-6 and Class-7 aircrafts are heavy, the others are not. Maybe the Tupolev-204 is an exception from EuroBusiness.

[EHM-0001 Gergely]

According to ICAO rules, you are supposed to say HEAVY only when establishing communication with ATC. You don't have to say HEAVY in subsequent communications.

pilot> Brussels Arrival, Harmony 001 Heavy, FL120, direct FLO
atc> Harmony 001 Heavy, Brussels Arrival, identified
pilot> Harmony 001, request descent
atc> Harmony 001, descend to reach FL60 by FLO
pilot> Descending to reach FL60 by FLO, Harmony 001

Gergely