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This may sound like a stupid question. But the other day, my FO asked my about use of the term "heavy" on our call to approach and tower and where to find that requirement in the FAR's or AIM. Does anybody have a reference I can point him to? Also, what about foreign airspace and the "heavy" radio call requirement? Do they require it? I've also heard differing reports that a "level" call is required over much of Europe when reaching a newly assigned altitude even if in radar contact. Where can I find that?

Thanks.

LifeNtheFstLne

Taken from Appendix A of the FAAO 7110.65R "Air Traffic Control"

"AIRCRAFT WEIGHT CLASSES

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."

Any aircraft that is classified as a heavy in this manual must use the word heavy when communicating with air traffic control on or near the airport, with the exception of the Boeing 757, which also must use "heavy". The use of the word "heavy" may be omitted when an aircraft is operating within the en route environment, aka "center".

Notice the word "capable" above. Even if a heavy aircraft does not weigh more than 255,000lbs at takeoff, it still must be referred to as a "heavy". Also, in other parts of the world besides the U.S., the weight limit is 300,000lbs if memory serves me correctly.

reevesofskyking

I think it is in the ATC handbook 7110.65

Air Traffic Control

Look in definitions under aircraft classes

LifeNtheFstLne

And to put you to sleep:

From Eurocontrol, European Action Plan for the Prevention of Level Bust

maddogmax

Way back when the first "heavy" aircraft came in the ATC system the controllers tag on their scope did not identify aircraft type. In order to provide the increased separation required behind a "heavy" they added the heavy callsign to your flight #. Now that they have aircraft type on their tags it is not as big a deal but I still think you are suppose to do it.

TheDashRocks

The A380 will have the suffix "super" attached to its callsign. Ex: "Quantas 1 Super".

PILOTGUY

well, that would explain why only some of the 757s out there use the "heavy" with there call signs.

bluebravo

Most 757's don't weigh in enough to make it a "heavy". The only ones I know of that will qual is the ex ATA 757's/COA birds. ATA fit some of their 753's (?) with extra tanks, sending it into "heavy" range.

de727ups

"well, that would explain why only some of the 757s out there use the "heavy" with there call signs."

All 757's are supposed to use the heavy call sign even though MTOW is less than 300K.

Roper92

I only hear "heavy" with the 757-300s and never with 757-200s.