[freeper12]

>>"American 2421 heavy is aborting


Just curious...what does "heavy" mean in this context?

[rabidralph]

Probably means that it's one of the larger jets (777).

[leadpenny]

Someone propably has the exact criteria but the triple 7 added new meaning to the suffix "Heavy." I believe it started back in the days of the 747's, DC-10's and L-1011's.

[Ez2BRepub]

"Heavy" usually means a big plane like a 747 or any other plane of considerable size.
If I am not mistaken it is used in this manner to let other pilots and controllers know that a big plane is in the area for things such as spacing to avoid wake turbulence and take off and landing distances.
Maybe others can add other reasons but that is my understanding.

[alfa6]

IIRC it denotes an aircraft fully fueled and loaded.

Regards

alfa6 ;>}

[snopercod]

The term 'HEAVY' is actually used to warn other aircraft of possible
hazards because of wake turbulence. The term is used to remind
controllers and pilots to allow for adequate separation of aircraft
using the same routes. FAA definitions are:

                Term:           Take-off weight:                                Examples:
                -----           -------------------------               ---------------------
                HEAVY           greater than 300,000 lbs.               747, DC-10, B-52, C-5

                LARGE           12,500 - 300,000 lbs.                   C-130, 727, 737, 757

                SMALL           less than 12,500 lbs                    T-38, C-12


There are complex rules about the amount of separation based on what
type is following what type (HEAVY following HEAVY, LIGHT following
HEAVY, etc.) and in what environment (ground taxiing, IFR final
approach, straight VFR flight, etc.). Basically other planes follow
HEAVYs with more separation than SMALLs.

A Boeing 727-231 has a take-off weight of 142,000 lbs., in the LARGE
category.

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

ATC classed aircraft into three classes:

Heavy - 747 size and up
Medium - 727 size roughly
Light - Significantly smaller than a 727

[gatorbait]

Just curious...what does "heavy" mean in this context?

That refers to it's wake turbulance catagory .