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??

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.

I thought the ICAO annex states that the word "heavy" needs to be included when on approach and tower frequencies.

Thanks for that :)

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.

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).

In Dubai it would be more helpful if pilots stated when they AREN'T flying a heavy!:}

In my experience only American pilots state they are "heavy" and its makes absolutely no difference to me :ugh:

"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

"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.

Heavy is not just for the benefit of ATC, they know from the FPL. Other pilot's Situational Awareness is improved if you know you are following a Heavy