A weight class designation used by air traffic control to identify large aircraft capable of takeoff weights exceeding 300,000 pounds. These aircraft generate severe wake turbulence, requiring controllers to mandate larger separation distances for trailing aircraft to prevent loss of control.
Heard on the job
United 82 Heavy, cleared to land runway two-seven right.
Insider tip
Pilots of heavy aircraft must append the word heavy to their callsign during radio communications with ATC.