ICAO light weight class defined as what maximum weight?

• A. 15,501lbs or less
• B. 15,500lbs or less
• C. 41,000lbs or less
• D. 300,000lbs or more

Answer: (B)

Weight-based classifications like light, medium, and heavy help air traffic control apply appropriate separation and procedures. For the light weight class, the maximum takeoff weight is 15,500 pounds or less. This boundary keeps smaller general aviation aircraft in a category with lighter wake turbulence, lower performance, and simpler operating considerations than larger aircraft. An aircraft that exceeds that weight would be categorized as heavier, which changes separation requirements and some operational rules. Therefore, the defining maximum for the light class is 15,500 pounds; weights slightly above would move you into a different category, and weights well above fall into even heavier classifications.