At what maximum weight does an aircraft fall into the light wake turbulence category?

An aircraft falls into the light wake turbulence category if it has a maximum takeoff weight of up to 15,000 pounds. This classification is critical for air traffic control and pilots as it helps manage and mitigate the effects of wake turbulence, which can be hazardous to smaller aircraft when flying in the wake of larger ones. The threshold of 15,000 pounds is established to ensure that the aircraft is small enough that it produces less turbulence compared to heavier aircraft, thereby reducing safety risks during takeoffs and landings. Aircraft exceeding this weight typically fall into the larger wake turbulence categories, which necessitate different operational considerations.