What is wake turbulence?

Wake turbulence is specifically defined as the disturbance in the air caused by an aircraft as it generates lift during flight. This phenomenon occurs primarily at the wingtips of an aircraft, where vortices are created due to high pressure underneath the wings spilling over to the low-pressure zone on top. These vortices can have significant impacts on following aircraft, particularly smaller ones, as they can lead to loss of control if not anticipated and managed properly.

Understanding wake turbulence is critical for pilots and air traffic controllers, as it necessitates specific separation distances between departing and arriving aircraft to ensure safety. The nature of wake turbulence makes it a unique phenomenon related to the aerodynamic forces at play during flight, distinguishing it from other forms of turbulence that may arise from different factors such as weather conditions or surface terrain.