When does wake turbulence become and remain a hazard?

Wake turbulence is produced by the flight of an aircraft, primarily due to the lift generated by the wings. This phenomenon creates rotating vortices that can pose a serious hazard to other aircraft, particularly smaller ones. The correct understanding of when wake turbulence is a concern is highlighted in the response indicating that it becomes a hazard when an airplane rotates for takeoff and remains a hazard until it lands.

During takeoff, the aircraft’s wings generate lift, and this is when the powerful vortices are created. These vortices sink and move laterally in the air, often persisting in the atmosphere for a significant time even after the aircraft has departed. The risk posed by these vortices does not dissipate until the aircraft has landed, as they can linger in the airspace and potentially affect following aircraft during landing or takeoff phases. Understanding this timeline is crucial for pilots to maintain safe distances from other aircraft during operations around airports.