Wake Vortex Turbulence

STUDENT: MARUNTIS DANIELA

GRUPA: 937
PROFESOR: ELENA SAVU
Contents

 1 Definition
 2 Description
 3 Effects
 4 Defences
 5 Accidents and Incidents
 6 Contributory Factors
 7 Solutions
 8 Bibliography
Definition

 Wake Vortex Turbulence is defined as turbulence which is

generated by the passage of an aircraft in flight.
Description

 Potentially hazardous turbulence in the wake of an aircraft in flight

is principally caused by wing tip vortices.
 This type of turbulence is significant because wing tip vortices
decay quite slowly and can produce a significant rotational influence
on an aircraft encountering them for several minutes after they have
been generated. 
Description

 The strength of the vortex is governed by the weight, speed, and

shape of the wing of the generating aircraft.
Effects

 The potential for hazardous wake vortex turbulence is greatest

where aircraft follow the same tracks - i.e are 'in trail' and closely
spaced. This situation is mostly encountered close to the ground in
the vicinity of airports where aircraft are on approach to or departure
from particular runways at high frequencies.
Defences - Take off and Landing

 ATC provide standard separation for all departing aircraft and for 

IFR traffic on approach. Separation depends on the relative size of
the aircraft.
Defences - En route

 ATC traffic separation standards in controlled airspace will not

necessarily prevent significant encounters with wake turbulence and
the greater risk of injury because both cabin crew and some
passengers will probably not be secured in their seats.
Accidents and Incidents

Flight map A319/B744

Contributory Factors
 Leading aircraft weight
 Leading aircraft speed
 Leading aircraft wing configuration (Flap setting etc.)
 Relative size of leading and following aircraft
 Relative tracks, positions and lateral/vertical separation of proximate
aircraft - the hazard is greater for aircraft following the same
track/profile is greater than for the cross-track case
 Closeness to the ground - vortex ceases to be hazardous when
ground contact occurs
Solutions

 Procedural documentation for both pilots and ATCOs to include the

ICAO separation recommendations for arrival and departure (as well
as any more restrictive national or local arrangements).
Bibliography

 https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Wake_Vortex_Turbulence
 https://mediawiki.ivao.aero/index.php?title=Wake_turbulence
 https://www.flightliteracy.com/wake-turbulence/
Thank you!