What is the term used for an aircraft capable of a takeoff weight of more than 300,000 pounds?

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The term used for an aircraft capable of a takeoff weight of more than 300,000 pounds is "Heavy." In the realm of aviation classification, the term "Heavy" is specifically assigned to aircraft that exceed this weight threshold, which includes many commercial airliners and cargo aircraft. This classification is significant for air traffic control and operational management, as it implies specific handling characteristics, wake turbulence parameters, and distance requirements from other aircraft. Understanding this classification helps ensure safety and efficiency in flight operations, particularly in busy airspace and airports where various aircraft types are in operation.

The other choices like "Light," "Medium," and "Ultra-Heavy" do not apply to the given weight range. "Light" generally refers to aircraft with much lower maximum takeoff weights, while "Medium" typically indicates those with moderate weights, often below the heavy category. Although "Ultra-Heavy" might intuitively seem to apply to aircraft significantly beyond 300,000 pounds, it is not a standard designation used in aviation terminology. Thus, "Heavy" is the appropriate and widely recognized term for aircraft that qualify under this weight criterion.

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