Heavy
 

What exactly does the "heavy" after the call sign, mean? I have an educated guess, but I'd rather hear it from the pro's. And no, I will not just google it.

"Heavy" is designated for aircraft with a takeoff weight of 255,000 pounds or greater. Although they use "Super" in place of "Heavy" when using the call sign for an A-380 for increased aircraft separation due to its exceptionally heavy weight and large size.

You could have easily looked at the FARs, wikipedia or GOOGLED it.
It means an aircraft with a takeoff weight above 255,000 lbs.

why do you ask? and no i will not just google it

Thanks Diver, that's the answer I was looking for.
It just seems like when ever I ask a question on here, there is always someone that says: you could have just googled it.
Well, you can google everything... whats the point of having a forum then?
Thanks for the answer though.

Resons...
 

FlyBry:

I'm trying to remember if this is done ICAO-wide, or just in the US. Been too long since I've flown International or on a heavy.

Regardless, the intent is to inform other aircraft on-frequency that the aircraft is likely to have very strong wake vortices. ATC should provide adequate separation, but pilots are allowed to ask for additional separation.

The B-757 has probably the worst vortex of any airliner, and models that do not meet the 255,000 lb weight category are still called "Heavy" on the radio.

Let me google that for you :p :)

I fly international and we do not use "heavy" outside the USA. It seems the foreign controllers are smart enough to read the strips in front of them?

Also, many don't know or care, but you only use "heavy" in the call sign on tower and approach, not center.

CAL 757-200's are 255,000lbs, but do not use "heavy"? Different airlines have different weights/models. The 757-300's are heavy.

Also, many don't know or care, but you only use "heavy" in the call sign on tower and approach, not center.

Not true in Canada.

Guess it's not much for the sake of the controller as it is for the trailing Cessna :p