Why do airlines from the US always say "heavy" after their flight#, on each worldwide airport?

Question

I live in Europe, and if there is a heavy Lufthansa jet switching from one ATC to another, just at the first call they say heavy, then never again.... However, the americans do say it always, after each acknowledgment.... why?

Answer 1

Aircraft call signs will use the suffix "heavy" for large aircraft, to indicate an aircraft that is going to cause significant wake turbulence, e.g. United Two-Five Heavy; All aircraft capable of operating with a gross take-off weight of more than 255,000 lbs must use this suffix whether or not they are operating at this weight during a particular phase of flight.

Answer 2

Heavy=large jetliner. You've got your A310s, your A300s, your 767s, 777s, 747s and soon, 787s, just to name a few.

Answer 3

Heavy depends on your weight.  I believe it's any aircraft over 300,000 lbs.  It doesn't matter what type you are flying, as you could be lighter if you have less cargo or passengers or fuel.  I'm not sure why they say it less in Europe, but in the US it's usually considered part of the callsign.