Heavy or not
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Join Date: May 2007
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Heavy or not
Could one of you ATC people help me with this one.
When flying a “heavy” aeroplane in Europe, are we suppose to say “heavy” at first contact with ATC??
When flying a “heavy” aeroplane in Europe, are we suppose to say “heavy” at first contact with ATC??
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I would say it probably depends on the country you are flying in. The only reference I can find so far, for the UK, out of the bible is:
4.2.3 Aircraft in the heavy vortex wake category will include the word 'HEAVY' immediately
following their callsign, on initial contact with an ATC Unit. The purpose of this call is
to confirm the aircraft type and/or vortex category is the same as that stated on the
flight progress strip.
4.2.3 Aircraft in the heavy vortex wake category will include the word 'HEAVY' immediately
following their callsign, on initial contact with an ATC Unit. The purpose of this call is
to confirm the aircraft type and/or vortex category is the same as that stated on the
flight progress strip.
Join Date: May 2005
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Doc. 4444
4.9.2 Indication of heavy wake turbulence category
For aircraft in the heavy wake turbulence category the word
“Heavy” shall be included immediately after the aircraft call
sign in the initial radiotelephony contact between such aircraft
and ATS units.
Note.— Wake turbulence categories are specified in the
instructions for completing Item 9 of the flight plan in
Appendix 2.
4.9.2 Indication of heavy wake turbulence category
For aircraft in the heavy wake turbulence category the word
“Heavy” shall be included immediately after the aircraft call
sign in the initial radiotelephony contact between such aircraft
and ATS units.
Note.— Wake turbulence categories are specified in the
instructions for completing Item 9 of the flight plan in
Appendix 2.
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Whilst I recognise the document quoted I would suggest that at many larger (certainly UK) units the call is superfluous. This is because it will be a requirement to state your aircraft type either on first call with Delivery/Ground for departures and on first call with Director/Approach for arrivals. This then confirms the information represented on the Flight Progress Strip.
We're not just interested in whether you're a heavy or not but even small changes variations make differences in vortex arrival spacings and feasibility of ground movements (eg. in my experience down to the series of 737 involved).
We're not just interested in whether you're a heavy or not but even small changes variations make differences in vortex arrival spacings and feasibility of ground movements (eg. in my experience down to the series of 737 involved).
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"Heavy" only required when contacting tower, departure and approach frequencies. I noticed that USA pilots indulge in using "heavy" on ground, clearance delivery, and high level enroute frequencies...
xxx
Happy contrails
xxx
Happy contrails
"and its makes absolutely no difference to me"
It may to others on frequency however. When I hear a heavy check in and can divine its position, It raises my awareness. I'll consider sitting the flt attendants earlier, look at spacing, etc.
It may to others on frequency however. When I hear a heavy check in and can divine its position, It raises my awareness. I'll consider sitting the flt attendants earlier, look at spacing, etc.
