What is the descent rate of wake turbulence?

The descent rate of wake turbulence is typically around 500 feet per minute. This rate is crucial for understanding how wake turbulence behaves and dissipates in the atmosphere after an aircraft has passed.

Wake turbulence is generated by the lift produced by aircraft wings, particularly from large aircraft, and can significantly impact the safety of following aircraft, especially smaller ones. The 500 ft/min descent rate reflects a balance between the forces acting on the vortices created by an aircraft and how they dissipate over time and distance. Following an aircraft, pilots are trained to be aware of the potential for wake turbulence and the associated risks, particularly during takeoff and landing phases where the descending vortices may be encountered.

Understanding this rate is critical for pilots and air traffic control as it assists in establishing safe separation distances between aircraft to mitigate the risks associated with wake turbulence, thus ensuring safe and smooth operations in busy airspaces. The other rates presented do not accurately represent the generally accepted characteristics of wake turbulence behavior.