Definition
An aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or less, as defined by 14 CFR Part 1.
Plain English
Under FAA rules, an aircraft counts as 'small' if it is certified to take off at a weight of 12,500 pounds or less. Aircraft above that weight are classified as 'large.'
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA aircraft classification discussions and in rules that separate small aircraft from large aircraft by approved takeoff weight.
Why Pilots Care
This weight limit decides which operating rules, pilot certificates, and maintenance standards apply.
Intuition Check
Do not read “small aircraft” as “an aircraft that looks small.” In this FAA context, “small” means 12,500 pounds or less maximum certificated takeoff weight.
Example Sentence 1
A Cessna 172, with a maximum takeoff weight well under 12,500 pounds, is classified as a small aircraft.
Example Sentence 2
Small aircraft pilots follow different airspace and equipment rules than pilots of larger jets.