When is wake turbulence strongest?

When is wake turbulence strongest?

• A. An aircraft is light, fast, and in clean configuration
• B. An aircraft is heavy, slow, and in clean configuration
• C. An aircraft is medium weight and in dirty configuration
• D. An aircraft is heavy, fast, and in clean configuration

Answer: (B)

Wake turbulence is strongest when an aircraft is heavy, slow, and in a clean configuration. This condition is significant because the weight of the aircraft generates more lift, leading to greater induced drag and stronger vortices. When the aircraft is heavy, it produces a denser airflow which contributes to the creation of these powerful vortices. Additionally, when the aircraft is slow, the lift-to-drag ratio decreases, causing the vortices to remain longer and travel closer to the ground, increasing their potential to affect other aircraft. A clean configuration means the aircraft's flaps and landing gear are retracted, which allows for optimal aerodynamic performance but can also concentrate the airflow patterns behind the aircraft, enhancing the strength of the wake turbulence. Therefore, in this specific combination of weight, speed, and configuration, the conditions maximize the strength and persistence of wake turbulence, which is a critical factor for pilots to consider during takeoff, landing, or when flying in the vicinity of larger aircraft.

Wake turbulence is strongest when an aircraft is heavy, slow, and in a clean configuration. This condition is significant because the weight of the aircraft generates more lift, leading to greater induced drag and stronger vortices. When the aircraft is heavy, it produces a denser airflow which contributes to the creation of these powerful vortices. Additionally, when the aircraft is slow, the lift-to-drag ratio decreases, causing the vortices to remain longer and travel closer to the ground, increasing their potential to affect other aircraft.

A clean configuration means the aircraft's flaps and landing gear are retracted, which allows for optimal aerodynamic performance but can also concentrate the airflow patterns behind the aircraft, enhancing the strength of the wake turbulence. Therefore, in this specific combination of weight, speed, and configuration, the conditions maximize the strength and persistence of wake turbulence, which is a critical factor for pilots to consider during takeoff, landing, or when flying in the vicinity of larger aircraft.