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2 Answers

Did I hear that right … “Super”?

Asked by: 3100 views FAA Regulations

So, I was listening to LiveATC the other day, and heard the aircraft qualifier "super" being used by the controls (i.e. "AirFrance 123 Super, cleared for the approach"). Any controls out there know what this is all about? Is "super" a new aircraft class identifier (I didn't find it listed in the pilot/controller glossary)? Does it replace "heavy" for certain types of aircraft, and if so which ones? 

Of course, I could have misheard the controllers, and "super" was never added as an aircraft qualifier at all, if so I apologize!

Thanks.

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2 Answers



  1. Scott on Sep 02, 2014

    Super is indeed a higher weight classification. Right now the only 2 aircraft are the A380 and AN225. Basically, far more seperation is required behind them than normal heavies.

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  2. Heather McNevin on Sep 03, 2014

    Super lets the controller know that the aircraft is larger than a heavy. The pilots use it in all communications, and Center controllers sometimes say it with the callsign. The terminal controllers should all say it. It lets us know that there are a different set of rules for that aircraft because of its weight classification (increased wake turbulence and no visual separation).

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