What are the effects of "wake turbulence"?

Wake turbulence refers to the disturbances in the air caused by an aircraft as it moves through the atmosphere, primarily generated by the wingtip vortices. When an aircraft is in flight, especially during takeoff and landing, the pressure differential above and below the wings results in swirling air patterns at the wingtips. These vortices can pose a significant hazard to trailing aircraft, particularly smaller ones, as they can lead to loss of control if encountered unexpectedly.

The wake turbulence generated by larger aircraft can remain in place for a considerable time and travel in the direction of the flight path of the aircraft that created it. Pilots of smaller aircraft need to be aware of wake turbulence when taking off or landing behind larger aircraft, as the effects can disrupt their flight path and potentially lead to dangerous situations. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for maintaining safety and ensuring proper separation between aircraft during operations.