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Wake Turbulence Category

Description

The ICAO wake turbulence category (WTC) is entered in the appropriate single character wake turbulence category indicator in Item 9 of the ICAO model flight plan form and is based on the maximum certificated take-off mass, as follows:

  • J (Super) aircraft types specified as such in Doc 8643 (Aircraft type designators). At present, the only such type is the Airbus A380-800 with a maximum take-off mass in the order of 560 000 kg. (see Airbus A380 Wake Vortex Guidance)
  • H (Heavy) aircraft types of 136 000 kg or more (except those specified as J);
  • M (Medium) aircraft types less than 136 000 kg and more than 7 000 kg; and
  • L (Light) aircraft types of 7 000 kg or less.

A special case is the B757 (MTOM: 116 000 kg - 124 000 kg) which shall be treated as an H (Heavy) aircraft in Germany, unless requested by the pilot.

Based on the article ICAO Wake Turbulence Category, source: www.skybrary.aero

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