For the purposes of Wake Turbulence Separation Minima, ATC classifies aircraft as Super, Heavy, Large, and Small as follows:
- Super- The Airbus A-380-800 (A388) is classified as a super aircraft. A super aircraft is a Category A for terminal wake turbulence separation purposes.
- Heavy- Aircraft capable of takeoff weights of 300,000 pounds or more whether or not they are operating at this weight during a particular phase of flight. Heavy aircraft are Category B, C, or D for terminal wake turbulence separation purposes.
- Large- Aircraft of more than 41,000 pounds, maximum certificated takeoff weight, up to but not including 300,000 pounds. Large aircraft are Category F and G for terminal wake turbulence separation purposes.
- Small- Aircraft of 41,000 pounds or less maximum certificated takeoff weight. Small aircraft are Category H and I for terminal wake turbulence separation purposes.
Listed in the Pilot/Controller Glossary as a cross-reference to AIRCRAFT CLASSES, whose text is shown above.
Source FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary · checked 2026-08-25