What is the primary cause of wake turbulence?

The primary cause of wake turbulence is wing tip vortices. When an aircraft is in flight, particularly during takeoff and landing, the lift generated by the wings creates a difference in air pressure above and below the wings. This difference results in the formation of vortices that spiral off the tips of the wings, creating rotating air patterns that can lead to wake turbulence.

These vortices are particularly strong in larger aircraft due to the increased lift required, which correlates with their size and weight. As the aircraft moves through the air, these wing tip vortices can persist for a significant amount of time and travel behind the aircraft, posing a risk to following aircraft, particularly smaller ones that may be more susceptible to the disturbances caused by these turbulent air currents.

Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for pilots and air traffic controllers to ensure safe distances between aircraft during various phases of flight, especially during takeoff and landing. This knowledge also emphasizes the importance of considering an aircraft's weight and size when assessing the potential for wake turbulence.