Title: What Does "Heavy" Mean in Aviation & Why Do Pilots Have To Say It? - Aero Corner
Headings: What Does “Heavy” Mean in Aviation & Why Do Pilots Have To Say It?
What Does “Heavy” Mean in Aviation & Why Do Pilots Have To Say It?
Table of Contents
What Does “Heavy” Mean?
The Importance of Aircraft Call Signs
Airliner Radio Calls
Airplane Weight Categories
The Dangers of Wake Turbulence
Minimum Separation Distances by Air Traffic Control
The Real Purpose of “Heavy” and “Super” Call Signs
About the Author

Content: These spirals trail behind the airplane and sink. For the generating aircraft, they are a nuisance only in the induced drag that they represent. For a smaller aircraft flying behind and below the generating aircraft, they pose an enormous and invisible hazard. Wake turbulence is the result of any flying machine making lift. Helicopters make dangerous wake turbulence too. When hovering, the wake turbulence surrounds the helo. When in forward flight, the wake turbulence trails behind the helicopter just like it does an airplane. It should be noted that wake turbulence is not the result of the airplane’s powerplant. Jets produce a powerful jet blast that is very hazardous to nearby aircraft on the ground. Even at low power, jet blast can topple light training aircraft.