Definition
For FAA certification and operating purposes, an airplane with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of more than 12,500 pounds. Large airplanes are subject to specific airworthiness, operational, and pilot certification requirements that do not apply to smaller airplanes, including type ratings for the pilot in command.
Plain English
An airplane that the FAA classifies as 'large' because it can take off weighing more than 12,500 pounds. Once an airplane crosses that weight line, extra rules apply to how it is built, how it is flown, and what qualifications the pilot must hold.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flying, aircraft certification, performance, and training discussions when the FAA separates airplanes by approved weight category.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots must use different speeds, configurations, and decision-making when flying these aircraft on instruments, affecting approach planning and go-around procedures.
Intuition Check
Large does not just mean “looks big.” Here it means the airplane is above the FAA weight cutoff: more than 12,500 pounds approved takeoff weight.
Example Sentence 1
Because the aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight above 12,500 pounds, it is classified as a large airplane and the pilot in command must hold a type rating for it.
Example Sentence 2
Large airplanes require additional type-specific training before flying them in instrument conditions.