You may have observed that when airplanes are queued on a runway for take-off, they maintain a significant distance from each other. They allow the aircraft ahead to gain sufficient distance before the next one takes off. Many people believe this is solely to prevent midair collisions. Although that is a valid concern, another critical reason is to avoid flying into the wake turbulence generated by the preceding airplane.
Wake turbulence poses a significant hazard, particularly during take-off and landing, as it can lead to a loss of control and potential crashes. This is why pilots cannot immediately take off following the departure of the aircraft in front; they must steer clear of the other plane’s wake. If you’re curious about wake turbulence, let me provide you with a clearer explanation.
Wake turbulence is a common phenomenon that occurs when an aircraft generates lift. It results in the formation of two counter-rotating vortices that trail behind the aircraft. The strength, duration, and direction of these vortices can affect encountering aircraft, causing injury to occupants and damage to the aircraft. Pilots must be aware of the possibility of a wake turbulence encounter when flying through the wake of another aircraft and adjust the flight path accordingly.
What Causes Wake Turbulence?
The creation of a pressure differential over the wing surface generates lift, which triggers the roll-up of the airflow at the rear of the wing, resulting in swirling air masses trailing downstream of the wingtips. This process creates the wake vortex, which is formed with most of the energy concentrated within a few feet of the vortex core.
While winglets increase fuel efficiency by improving the lift-to-drag ratio, they have a negligible effect on wake turbulence generation, particularly during departures and arrivals.
The strength of the vortex is determined by the weight, speed, wingspan, and shape of the generating aircraft’s wing. The vortex characteristics of any given aircraft can also be changed by extending flaps or other wing configuring devices. However, the greatest vortex strength occurs when the generating aircraft is heavy, clean, and slow. Short span aircraft, even of the high-performance type, must be especially alert to vortex encounters.
Trailing vortices have certain behavioral characteristics that can help a pilot visualize the wake location and avoid turbulence. Pilots should be alert at all times for possible wake vortex encounters when conducting approach and landing operations. They should attempt to visualize the vortex trail of aircraft whose projected flight path they may encounter and adjust their flight paths to minimize vortex exposure to other aircraft.
How Pilots Avoid Wake Turbulence
During take-off and landing, pilots adhere to specific protocols for various scenarios to prevent entering wake turbulence. Above all, they must stay vigilant for potential wake turbulence encounters and modify their flight trajectory as needed. Furthermore, it is crucial for pilots to keep appropriate separation distances between planes during approach phases and to request updates on separation distance and aircraft groundspeed from the control tower if there is any uncertainty about maintaining safe distances.
To further enhance safety, pilots can also take advantage of various resources and tools available to them. For instance, many airports offer real-time information on wind conditions and runway use, which can help pilots anticipate potential vortex hazards.
In addition, pilots can use specialized technology such as airborne wind shear radar and onboard hazard displays to identify and avoid potential vortex encounters. By staying up-to-date on the latest technology and best practices for avoiding wake turbulence, pilots can ensure the safety of themselves and their passengers.
Wake turbulence is a serious and potentially deadly hazard that all pilots must take seriously. By following established procedures and remaining vigilant, pilots can minimize their risk of encountering wake turbulence and ensure a safe and successful flight. However, it is important for pilots to remain aware of potential hazards and be prepared to take decisive action if unexpected situations arise.
Source: FAA
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
