Wake turbulence can be a threat on any flight. Every aircraft, both large and small, generates wake turbulence as a function of creating lift. Wake turbulence vortices can vary in strength, duration, and direction and if encountered can cause a loss of control in-flight event or accident. The trick to surviving a wake turbulence encounter is to avoid it altogether.
Under IFR flying, wake turbulence avoidance is accomplished by air traffic controllers applying minimum separation standards based on each aircraft’s class, as determined by size or aerodynamic characteristics. Separation may be accomplished by assigning specific speeds (distance and time) or altitudes to be flown. Pilots are expected to fly the speed and altitude assigned by controllers to maintain this minimum separation.
Pilot, safety expert, consultant, and aviation journalist Stuart “Kipp” Lau writes about flight safety and airmanship for AIN.
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