What is wake turbulence?

Wake turbulence refers specifically to the disturbance in the air that is generated by the lift produced by an aircraft's wings. When an aircraft flies, it creates a combination of vortices and other turbulent air patterns as the high-pressure air from underneath the wing spills over to the low-pressure area above the wing. This results in rotating air currents trailing behind the aircraft, which can pose hazards to following aircraft, especially during takeoff and landing phases.

Understanding wake turbulence is crucial for pilots, as it emphasizes the importance of maintaining safe distances between aircraft in flight. The vortices can linger in the air for several minutes after an aircraft has passed, allowing them to affect other nearby planes, particularly smaller aircraft that may be more susceptible to the effects of these turbulent air patterns. Recognizing the implications of wake turbulence helps in ensuring aviation safety and effective air traffic management.