Wake Turbulence

071-02-08Pablo Asensio Martínez2026-04-011 min

Generation

Wake turbulence vortices

Produced by pressure differential between upper and lower wing surfaces.

  • Strongest when aircraft is: Heavy, Clean, Slow (High Angle of Attack).
  • Starts at Rotation (Nose wheel off) and ends at Touchdown (Nose wheel on).

Movement

  • Descend at ~400-500 fpm initially.
  • Level off ~1000 ft below flight path.
  • Drift with the wind (crosswind can hold a vortex over the runway).

ICAO Categories (Old & New)

  • Super (J): A380.
  • Heavy (H): MTOM >= 136,000 kg.
  • Medium (M): 7,000 kg < MTOM < 136,000 kg.
  • Light (L): MTOM <= 7,000 kg.

Separation Minima (Radar)

Distance required behind a HEAVY aircraft:

  • Heavy behind Heavy: 4 NM.
  • Medium behind Heavy: 5 NM.
  • Light behind Heavy: 6 NM. (Behind Super: 6/7/8 NM).

Separation Minima (Timed - Non-Radar)

Taking off from same position behind Heavy: 2 minutes. Taking off from intersection (shorter run) or opposite direction: 3 minutes.