In terms of wake turbulence, what is considered a heavy aircraft

• A. Certified for max takeoff weight of 100,000lbs or more
• B. Certified for max takeoff weight of 200,000lbs or more
• C. Certified for max takeoff weight of 300,000lbs or more
• D. Certified for a max takeoff weight of 500,000lbs or more

Answer: (C)

In wake turbulence, aircraft are grouped by takeoff weight to gauge how strong their wake vortices will be. The category called heavy is assigned to aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of 300,000 pounds or more because these larger jets produce much stronger and longer-lasting vortices than lighter planes. This stronger wake requires greater separation behind a heavy aircraft to keep following traffic safe. Thus, 300,000 pounds or more is the standard threshold that defines heavy for wake turbulence purposes, which is why this option is the best fit. Aircraft with MTOW below that threshold fall into lighter or medium categories and have correspondingly smaller wake effects, while the very largest jets form a separate category (super).