"Large" vs. "Heavy" aircraft

[CRJwannabe]

Connecting the dots of the FAR/AIM for those that are interested:

FAR 61.31

Type rating requirements, additional training, and authorization requirements.

(a) Type ratings required. A person who acts as a pilot in command of any of the following aircraft must hold a type rating for that aircraft:
(1) Large aircraft (except lighter-than-air).
(2) Turbojet-powered airplanes.
(3) Other aircraft specified by the Administrator through aircraft type certificate procedures . . .

So, what is a “large aircraft”?

From FAR Part 1 Definitions: Large aircraft means aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds, maximum certificated takeoff weight.

If anyone has ever wondered how “heavy” gets attached to a call sign . .

From AIM Pilot/Controller Glossary (http://www.iespana.es/atc-cordoba/Pi...20Glossary.htm):

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.

So, it seems that ATC and the FARs are in slight disagreement over what can be classified as a “large aircraft”. Next time you hear “heavy” attached to a callsign, you will know that is not a subjective term. There appears to be some method behind the madness. If my interpretation of the above material seems inaccurate, I welcome any corrections/additions that may further clarify the issue.

Thanks

[MidlifeFlyer]

[ QUOTE ]
So, it seems that ATC and the FARs are in slight disagreement over what can be classified as a “large aircraft”.

[/ QUOTE ]The really isn't any disagreement. Just the same word being used in two different contexts and having different meanings.

Remember those private pilot questions involving the differences in the meaning of the word "category" as applied to certification or =airmen= (airplane, rotorcraft, glider, etc) and as applied to =aircraft= (transport, normal, utility, etc)? Same thing here. The word large is being used for two different purposes and so it has two different meanings.

"Large" in the FAR provision is dealing with whether you, as a pilot, are authorized by your certificate to fly it. "Large" in the AIM is a wake turbulence category. Rest assured that when you hear ATC tell you there's a large aircraft flying over you, they're not commenting on the qualifications of the pilot.

[CF6_rep]

I always thought "heavy" was added to those aircraft with twin aisles, just as a further way for ATC to clarify who they are talking with.

[MidlifeFlyer]

[ QUOTE ]
I always thought "heavy" was added to those aircraft with twin aisles, just as a further way for ATC to clarify who they are talking with.

[/ QUOTE ]I didn't see a smiley on the post, so

It's added so that ATC knows the wake turbulence separation criteria to apply. (It also lets other aircraft in the area know there's an evil vortex generator among them)