How Much does a plane weigh when considered a heavy?

[Jester119]

• How Much does a plane weigh when considered a heavy?

 

[apcooper]

255,000 lbs or more max weight regardless what actual weight it is flying at.

 

[apcooper]

I'll add there is some debate as to whether or not to classify a 757 as a heavy. Studies show that the wake turb produced by it is more vicous than some heavies. I don't know why though. The 757 if my memory serves me right is about 5 or 10K less that the 255K mark.

 

[njcapt]

It depends. ATA's -200's and -300's are certified over 255,000lbs so they are heavies. You pay Boeing for max T/O wt - more money = higher MTOW.

 

[Jester119]

Thank You

Thank You

 

[rvsm410]

757 wake

I'll add there is some debate as to whether or not to classify a 757 as a heavy. Studies show that the wake turb produced by it is more vicous than some heavies. I don't know why though. The 757 if my memory serves me right is about 5 or 10K less that the 255K mark.

The FAA did a wake turb study a few years ago, it seems the wing of the 75 being unique to any other airfoils in use, is the cause of the severe wake it can create. The Wash out at the wing tips causes very tightly wound voticies(sp?) which can last much longer than other types of aircraft. and tend to even roll along the ground with the prevailing winds, so it can disrupt the runway next to it.

Just make sure your higher than he is in trail, and land further than he does on touch down...You sold notice about a 90 second to 2 min hold after a 75 departs...JFYI stuff.

 

[TonyC]

• How Much does a plane weigh when considered a heavy?

For the purpose of wake turbulence separation minims, FAA classifies aircraft as Heavy, Large and Small as follows:

Heavy Aircraft capable of takeoff weights of 300,000 pounds or more whether or not they are operating at this weight during a particular phase of flight (Ex. B-747, B-777, DC-10).


Large Aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds, maximum certified takeoff weight, up to 300,000 pounds (Ex. B-737, MD-80, Business jets).

Small Aircraft of 12,500 pounds or less maximum certified takeoff weight (Twin and single piston/turboprops).

​

In fact, it has nothing to do with the actual weight of the airplane - - it is predicated on the takeoff capability of the aircraft.


OK, OK... that's what it used to be.

Now its:
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.



​

Same song, different numbers. It's still based on takeoff capability, not the actual weight.



(That's from the Pilot/Controllers Glossary.)

 

[Daveman]

When the fat arse is wedged in the door.

 

[Lrjtcaptain]

I'll add there is some debate as to whether or not to classify a 757 as a heavy. Studies show that the wake turb produced by it is more vicous than some heavies. I don't know why though. The 757 if my memory serves me right is about 5 or 10K less that the 255K mark.

The -300 is a heavy, as for the -200.....It has its own wake turbulance seperation requirments because it doesn't fit in the heavy category however produces the same wake as its fat sister the 767. Thats why it has wake problems, becuase the 767 fits the heavy category. I have heard -200's go over as heavy's before on FREQ but don't know why some -200's are and aren't. As for the wake, its basically becuase its borderline heavy not heavy, and it produces wake of a heavy.

 

[ATR-DRIVR]

Along these lines also to remember that the 737-800 wing is almost exactly like the 757 in regards to forming wake turbulence. BE AWARE! If the controller turns you right in behind him on a visual, watch out.