How do I get ATC to add the word 'Heavy' or 'Super' to my callsign?

SayIntentions.AI now fully supports the concept of appending the word "heavy" or "super", and we model the use of these appended callsigns identically to how they are implemented in the real world.

Why does ATC sometimes append the word "heavy" or "super" to certain callsigns?

In real life, ATC uses the terms "heavy" and "super" to identify aircraft that require extra wake turbulence separation.

"Heavy" applies to aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 300,000 pounds or more, as they produce stronger wake turbulence that can affect smaller planes flying behind them.

"Super" is specifically reserved for the Airbus A380 and Antonov An-225 (when it was operational), as these aircraft generate even greater wake turbulence than "heavy" aircraft.

Adding "heavy" or "super" to the callsign reminds ATC and other nearby aircraft to maintain larger separation distances. This is a critical safety measure that helps prevent dangerous wake turbulence encounters, which can impact the stability and control of trailing aircraft, especially smaller ones.

Basic Setup

• Make sure you've selected the appropriate aircraft type in SimBrief. The type should match the aircraft you are flying.
• In the SayIntentions.AI app, go to settings, General, and confirm you've entered your SimBrief username.
• In the SayIntentions.AI app, go to settings, Identity, and confirm that "Use SimBrief Callsign" is checked.
• Make sure your callsign in SimBrief is set correctly. (It should be a 3-letter airline ICAO code, followed by your flight number.  Example:  DAL1234). If your callsign does not meet these requirement, it will be ignored.
• File your IFR flight plan in Sim Brief.
• In the SayIntentions.AI app, click "New Flight".
• Call clearance to pick up your IFR clearance.

My aircraft qualifies as "Heavy" or "Super". When should I add it to my callsign when speaking to ATC?

If you are flying outside the U.S., you should add it to your callsign on first check-in with any new controller who is responsible for separation. (Tower, Radar, Departure, Approach, Center, etc.).

If you are flying inside the U.S., you should add it to your callsign with every transmission.

I am in the U.S. -- when will ATC append the word "Heavy" or "Super" to my callsign?

All references to your callsign between you and ATC should include the word "Heavy" or "Super".

I am outside of the U.S. -- when will ATC append the word "Heavy" or "Super" to my callsign?

Just like in real life, outside the U.S., ATC will not add "heavy" or "super" every time they say something to you.

1. You must have everything set correctly (see above).
2. You must be talking to Tower, Approach, Departure, or some types of Radar stations. (Other ATC controllers, such as center, ground, clearance, etc. simply do not care).
3. ATC will add "heavy" or "super" on first contact with you, or if they deem it necessary for other aircraft to hear. (For example, appending the word "Heavy" to your callsign in a takeoff clearance alerts any aircraft behind you to be cautious of wake turbulence).

ATC is only adding "Heavy" or "Super" to my callsign sometimes, and not always. Why?

See above.

I'm flying the Boeing 757, why isn't it adding the word "Heavy" to my callsign?

The 757 is no longer considered "Heavy" since the weight re-classification took place in 1996.