What is wake turbulence and how can it affect other aircraft?

Wake turbulence refers to the intricate patterns of airflow that are created behind an aircraft as it generates lift. The primary source of this turbulence is the wings of the aircraft, which produce vortices as air flows over them during flight. These vortices are particularly strong in larger aircraft and can persist for a considerable distance behind the aircraft.

The impact of wake turbulence on other aircraft can be substantial. Smaller aircraft that encounter the vortices can experience sudden and unexpected changes in attitude and altitude. This is why pilots are trained to maintain cautious separation distances from larger aircraft, especially during takeoff and landing when the risk of encountering wake turbulence is highest.

In summary, wake turbulence is fundamentally linked to the aerodynamic effects created by the wings of an aircraft, making the correct understanding of this phenomenon crucial for safety in aviation.