Definition
An aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight, as defined by 14 CFR Part 1.
Plain English
An aircraft that is allowed to weigh more than 12,500 pounds at takeoff, based on what the FAA certified it for.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA aircraft classification discussions, especially when separating smaller general aviation aircraft from heavier aircraft with different rules and operating requirements.
Why Pilots Care
Determines which operating rules, pilot ratings, and performance requirements apply to the flight.
Intuition Check
Do not read large aircraft as simply “an airplane that looks big.” In FAA use, large aircraft is based on an approved weight limit: more than 12,500 pounds for takeoff.
Example Sentence 1
Because the aircraft's maximum certificated takeoff weight was 14,000 pounds, it qualified as a large aircraft and required a type rating.
Example Sentence 2
A pilot flying a large aircraft must account for longer runway requirements during takeoff planning.