Or cordially ask why you want to know in the first place

 

The Regs do not specify this for pilots. It's just style points that most of us don't say it on center since there is good separation at Center altitudes. I have had US Center Controllers call me "Heavy" at altitude, even when it didn't match the exceptions in their Regs:

2-4-14. WORDS AND PHRASES
a. Use the words or phrases in radiotelephone and
interphone communication as contained in the P/CG
or, within areas where Controller Pilot Data Link
Communications (CPDLC) is in use, the phraseology
contained in the applicable CPDLC message set.
b. The word “heavy” shall be used as part of the
identification of heavy jet aircraft as follows:
TERMINAL. In all communications with or about
heavy jet aircraft.
EN ROUTE. The use of the word heavy may be
omitted except as follows:
1. In communications with a terminal facility
about heavy jet operations.
2. In communications with or about heavy jet
aircraft with regard to an airport where the en route
center is providing approach control service.
3. In communications with or about heavy jet
aircraft when the separation from a following aircraft
may become less than 5 miles by approved procedure.
4. When issuing traffic advisories.
EXAMPLE-
“United Fifty-Eight Heavy.”
NOTEMost
airlines will use the word “heavy” following the
company prefix and flight number when establishing
communications or when changing frequencies within a
terminal facility's area.
5. When in radio communications with “Air
Force One” or “Air Force Two,” do not add the heavy
designator to the call sign. State only the call sign “Air
Force One/Two” regardless of the type aircraft.

 

When I'm at home, I follow my conversations with "heavy" just to let my wife know I need some extra space. She usually passes this on to others who might not know the strange communication. Sometimes my disposition is such that even with the extra spacing, upsets occur... Oh well, what can you do?

 

FYI - it used to be a requirement for all controllers to use the word "heavy" when applicable. They no longer require center controllers to use it, but at the same time, they are not barred from using it either. The change occurred about 10-15 years ago.

 

Awesome, thanks guys. I was listening to ATC, at: "liveatc.net" and heard "heavy" after a few transmissions. I kinda figured it meant a certain weight and/or carrying cargo. But like I said, I wanted to ask the pros and not google. Now I know! thanks again guys.

 

I do believe an aircraft is a heavy if it is greater than 255,000 lbs MGTOW but since the 757-200 is exactly 255,000 lbs it is not a heavy. Go Figure. The 757-300 is 272,500 lbs so it does qualify.

 

Its more than just doing other aircraft on the freq a favor.

ATC is required to maintain minimum distances between aircraft in different phases of flight for wake turbulence avoidance.

The best place to reference the info would be the JO7110.65. The controllers bible.

4 miles sep. behind a large
5 miles sep. behind 757 (757-200 has its own distance minima)
6 miles sep. behind heavy

As you can see, and as UAL briefly pointed out, the 752 is a unique case where it does not meet heavy weight minima, but due to its very strong wake turbulence generation, an additional mile (for 5 total miles) is added to the distance of aircraft in trail behind a 752.

(I had two final exams today, one in tower ops, and one in tracon ops... its still fresh..... for the moment. )

 

I was under the impression that it was 255K inclusive and higher... However, if that is the case, that may be why we don't hear it from the 752 drivers.

 

Haha!!!! I'll have to try that one at home too, just before I retreat into my man cave...