When does wake turbulence occur?

Wake turbulence occurs primarily after an aircraft has taken off, as it is a phenomenon generated by the passage of an aircraft through the air. As an aircraft moves, it creates vortices at its wingtips due to the pressure differential above and below the wings. These vortices are particularly strong when an aircraft is heavy, clean (landing gear and flaps retracted), and climbing out after take-off.

After take-off, the aircraft generates significant amounts of lift, thus producing wake turbulence that can linger in the air for several minutes. This turbulence can pose a hazard to other aircraft, especially those that are smaller or are following closely behind in the flight path. Recognizing the timing of wake turbulence is crucial for ensuring safe aircraft separation during critical phases of flight.

In contrast, wake turbulence is not typically a concern during landing, descent, or before take-off since the aircraft's configuration and flight dynamics produce different aerodynamic effects during those stages. Understanding this timing helps pilots and air traffic controllers manage safety during take-offs and approaches.