Side-by-Side Comparison
Aircraft Sizing & Categories
ICAO Aerodrome Reference Codes vs. Wake Turbulence Categories
Comparing 2 standards across 11 specifications. 11 key differences identified.
Comparing:
ICAO Aerodrome Reference Codes
Wake Turbulence Categories
The ICAO Aerodrome Reference Code classifies commercial aircraft into Code Letters A through F based on wingspan and outer main gear wheel span (OMGWS) to dictate airport runway width, taxiway clearances, and gate parking dimensions.
Wake turbulence categories group aircraft by Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) to enforce mandatory radar and timed distance separation behind departing and landing aircraft, preventing hazardous counter-rotating wingtip vortex encounters.
Specification Comparison Table
11 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Standard Authority
|
ICAO Annex 14 (Aerodromes–Design and Operations) | ICAO Doc 4444 (Air Traffic Management) / FAA Order JO 7110.65 |
|
Code A Wingspan
|
< 15 m (< 49.2 ft) — e.g., Cessna 172, Piper PA-28 | — |
|
Code B Wingspan
|
15 m to < 24 m (49.2–78.7 ft) — e.g., Beechcraft King Air, DHC-6 Twin Otter | — |
|
Code C Wingspan
|
24 m to < 36 m (78.7–118.1 ft) — e.g., Airbus A320, Boeing 737, Embraer E195 | — |
|
Code D Wingspan
|
36 m to < 52 m (118.1–170.6 ft) — e.g., Boeing 757, Boeing 767-200/300 | — |
|
Code E Wingspan
|
52 m to < 65 m (170.6–213.3 ft) — e.g., Boeing 777, Airbus A350, Boeing 787 | — |
|
Code F Wingspan
|
65 m to < 80 m (213.3–262.5 ft) — e.g., Airbus A380-800, Boeing 747-8 | — |
|
Super Category
|
— | Airbus A380-800 (MTOW 560–575 tonnes) & Antonov An-225 |
|
Heavy Category
|
— | MTOW ≥ 136,000 kg (≥ 300,000 lbs) — e.g., B777, A350, B787, A330, B747 |
|
Medium Category
|
— | MTOW > 7,000 kg to < 136,000 kg (15,500–300,000 lbs) — e.g., A320, B737, E190 |
|
Light Category
|
— | MTOW ≤ 7,000 kg (≤ 15,500 lbs) — e.g., Cessna 172, King Air 90, Piper PA-28 |