During what part of the flight is wake turbulence particularly dangerous?

Wake turbulence is particularly dangerous during the takeoff and landing phases of flight. This is primarily due to the close proximity of aircraft during these critical stages, where they are often flying at lower altitudes and slower speeds, making them more susceptible to disturbances caused by the wake of another aircraft.

Wake turbulence occurs when an aircraft generates lift, creating a pattern of swirling air behind it, which can be hazardous to trailing aircraft. During takeoff and landing, aircraft are usually concentrated near the runway, increasing the likelihood of encountering this turbulence. The primary concern is that if a smaller aircraft takes off or lands too closely behind a larger aircraft, it could be caught in the wake, which can lead to loss of control or difficulty maintaining altitude.

In contrast, during taxiing, while wake turbulence can still be a factor, the speeds are lower, and the risks related to lift-induced vortices are minimized. In level flight or cruising at altitude, the separation distances between aircraft are generally greater, reducing the impact of wake turbulence. Thus, while all phases of flight require awareness of wake turbulence, the takeoff and landing phases pose the greatest risk due to heightened vulnerability and proximity.