When is the use of the word "heavy" omitted by the controller?

The use of the term "heavy" is omitted by the controller specifically when less than 5 miles separation is utilized as per approved procedures. This is because the designation "heavy" indicates that an aircraft's weight is significant enough to produce wake turbulence, which can impact the safety and separation of following aircraft. In situations where the separation is minimal, the emphasis on the aircraft's weight is less critical, allowing controllers to simplify communication and reduce confusion.

This practice aligns with the protocols designed to manage close-in traffic efficiently, ensuring that all pilots and controllers have a clear understanding of the situation without the added complexity of wake turbulence considerations in these scenarios. Other choices may imply situations where the term "heavy" might still be relevant, but do not specifically pertain to the unique operational context of close separation.