... the meaning of "heavy" in RT transmissions?

[Bernardvoges]

Hi there,

Can anyone shed light on the meaning of the term "heavy" during radio transmissions - frequently used by literally heavy jets (747, 340 etc).

Is that it? Does it just signify that it's a large aircraft, or does it have another meaning?

What then constitutes a 'heavy'?

Thanks,
Bernard

[SilverFox441]

It's used to signify aircraft that are heavy.

Larger planes are generally less manueverable and it's good for everyone to know that this particular plane is a bus that can barely get out of it's own way.  :P

[Ivan]

wake turbulence... even if the 757 climbs like a rocket (and is under the official weight limit for 'heavy') it makes more wake turbulence than some heavy classified machines

[JVC_systems]

Can 757 be called "heavy" or is still short of of being "heavy"?

[Craig.]

i have heard the 757 being called heavy during an ATC transmission before. Like Ivan said its all to do with the wake turbulance and the 757  produces a hell of alot

[OTTOL]

The 757, under the U.S. classification of "heavy", falls below the weight class of heavy aircraft. Due to it's notorious nature though (it's dangerous wake characteristics were discovered after it was produced and entered service), is sometimes referred to as "heavy".

To answer the question, "heavy" in an ATC instruction, is used to warn pilots that the aircraft has a hazardous WAKE.

[JVC_systems]

What about 767-200? Can it be called "heavy" I just remember downloading a 767 for FS2004 and in the game ATC never refered to my aircraft as "heavy" so that's why I am asking. I have been on Delta Air lines 767  (KSFO - ATL flight) and I would say the aircraft was big.

[JVC_systems]

Just a quick update. it was 767-200 (KSFO - KATL flight). I was also wondering why is it that Delta never uses 767-300 for those routes? I've been on several delta flight and they never had 767-300 doing flights within the US. Usually all their 767-300 go to Europe or elsewhere.

[Craig.]

The company bases the type on how many people fly during the time of year. The 200 i also believe doesnt have a good range for atlanta europe routes, i think Delta uses the 767-400 on its Boston-London route as that was the type i was on, on one of my trips. as for the flight sim heavy, you need to tick the box when selecting a call sign.

[JVC_systems]

Btw, I have heared that Delta wants to get rid of their 767-200's? If so why is that? It is such a great aircraft!! Also what would be a good replacement for 767-200 and/or their routes once they are retried?

[Craig.]

Its getting old is the reason why. Its replacement, will prob be the 7E7, which i why its being built, there really is no market right now for the 767 area. The A330 is a little big. The A321 is to small and lacking range.

[FLYING_TRUCKER]

FROM:  A.I.P. CANADA (Aeronautical Information
           Publication)  produced by Transport Canada and
           amended monthly

Gen 5-5
Heavy Aircraft/Jet
     For wake turbulence categorization purposes, an
     aircraft certificated for a maximum takeoff weight
     of 136000 kilograms (300000 lbs) or more.



Cheers...Happy Landings....Doug