What does wake turbulence refer to?

Wake turbulence refers specifically to the disturbance in the atmosphere created by an aircraft as it moves through the air. This turbulence is primarily caused by the wingtip vortices, which are rotating air patterns that are generated at the tips of an aircraft's wings due to changes in pressure as the aircraft flies. These vortices can pose a significant hazard to following aircraft, particularly smaller ones, as they can create strong, turbulent airflow in their wake.

Understanding wake turbulence is crucial for pilots as it influences how they approach takeoff, landing, and flight separation from other aircraft. The effects of wake turbulence can be significant, leading to loss of control if another aircraft encounters it too closely behind a larger airplane. Pilots are trained to be aware of the types of aircraft they are flying behind to ensure safe distances are maintained to avoid these effects.