It it mandatory to use "HEAVY" when talking to the center controllers? I ask because there was a British Airways 747 on Denver Center freq. and he was't referred to as HEAVY, nor did he say it himself. Then two days ago I jumpseat on a FedEx MD-10 and the pilot used HEAVY the entire trip. Perhaps it's an international/domestic carrier thing?

 

use heavy when ur talking to approach control and tower..they have to be concerned with the spacing between a/c on approach for wake...center controllers dont reallly care...they have the separation they need....hope that helps...

Pilot7576

 

More specifically heavy is only required in the U.S. airspace, in Canada the word heavy should be used on first initial contact then omitted. International ops, Europe, Asia, Middle East, ect. the word heavy is not required. Hope this helps.

 

From the Pilot Controller Glossary.....

"AIRCRAFT CLASSES- For the purposes of Wake Turbulence Separation Minima, ATC classifies aircraft as Heavy, Large, and Small as follows:

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."

The exception to this is the 757- in the US only, it is considered a "heavy" due to the need for additional separation from other aircraft and its unique wake vorticies.

In the US, "heavy" is used in the terminal areas only- ground, tower, departure and approach. When talking to Center, you are supposed to drop the heavy. But we all mess up, controllers too, and use it at other times. Not a huge deal.

 

I use heavy all the time.
Full of fuel and every seat full.
That is HEAVY to me.
Super 80 FO

 

Thanks for the replies guys! Now I understand I assume then that the FedEx pilot who desired using HEAVY the entire flight just did so out of fun, or maybe ignorance.....

 

First time I get to fly a heavy, I will make sure everyone on the radio knows I am a heavy!!!

 

Pilot7576 is right on the money! As a center controller, all I am concerned with is how fast and how high you are going (regarding the use of "heavy"). We apply the same separation from when we get a hand-off until handing off to APC (with the exception of high altitudes). I have never worked in an APC so I couldn't tell you how it effects them.

 

Per the FedEx FOM: When operating an aircraft designated as "heavy", use the term "HEAVY" in the call sign as follows:

*Internationally; Include the word "heavy" immediately after the aircraft call sign in the initial radio contact.

*Domestically; Include the word "heavy" immediately after the aircraft call sign in all communications in the terminal area.
...hopes this helps.
Z

 

I've noticed lately some United and FedEx crews using HEAVY as part of their callsign while with Center ARTCC. Must be something they learn in basic indoc.