use HEAVY when talking to ARTCC or not
#1
Gets Weekends Off
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Joined APC: May 2005
Position: CRJ-200 Captain
Posts: 170
use HEAVY when talking to ARTCC or not
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?
#2
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
Pilot7576
#4
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2005
Posts: 170
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.
"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.
#7
Originally Posted by CRJammin
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.....
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
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.
#9
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
*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
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