What are wingtip vortices?

Wingtip vortices refer to the circular patterns of rotating air that are created as a wing generates lift during flight. These vortices occur because of the pressure differential between the upper and lower surfaces of the wing. As the wing generates lift, the higher pressure air below the wing moves toward the lower pressure area on top, resulting in a swirling motion at the wingtips.

This phenomenon is essential to understand, especially for pilots, because these vortices can create significant turbulence behind an aircraft, which can affect following aircraft, particularly smaller ones. The strength and size of wingtip vortices are influenced by the weight, shape, and speed of the aircraft, and they can persist in the air long after the generating aircraft has passed, posing potential hazards for subsequent planes during takeoff, landing, or flight within the same airspace.

Understanding wingtip vortices is crucial for pilots to ensure safe separation between aircraft and to anticipate and manage turbulence encountered while flying in proximity to other airplanes.