Wake Vortex Category

Wake Vortex Categories classify aircraft by maximum takeoff weight for the purpose of applying wake turbulence separation minima between successive aircraft on approach or departure.

ICAO traditional categories:

• Heavy (H): MTOW ≥ 136,000 kg (e.g., B777, A340, B747)
• Medium (M): 7,000 kg < MTOW < 136,000 kg (e.g., A320, B737, E190)
• Light (L): MTOW ≤ 7,000 kg (e.g., Cessna 172, Piper PA-28)

ICAO RECAT (RE-categorization) system adds more granularity:

• Super (J): A380
• Upper Heavy (B): B747, B777
• Lower Heavy (C): A330, B767
• Upper Medium (D): A320, B737
• Lower Medium (E): E190, CRJ900
• Light (F): Small GA aircraft

RECAT allows reduced separation between some pairs, increasing airport capacity.