Aircraft Classes


For the purposes of Wake Turbulence Separation Minima, ATC classifies aircraft as Super, Heavy, Large, and Small as follows:
  1. Super- The Airbus A-380-800 (A388) and the Antonov An-225 (A225) are classified as super.
  2. Heavy- Aircraft capable of takeoff weights of 300,000 pounds or more whether or not they are operating at this weight during a particular phase of flight.
  3. Large- Aircraft of more than 41,000 pounds, maximum certificated takeoff weight, up to but not including 300,000 pounds.
  4. Small- Aircraft of 41,000 pounds or less maximum certificated takeoff weight.

Source: Pilot Contoller Glossary (PCG)

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