Which statement about wake turbulence strength is true?

Which statement about wake turbulence strength is true?

• A. The vortex strength is greatest when the generating aircraft is heavy, clean, and slow.
• B. Vortex strength increases with greater bank angle.
• C. Vortex strength is unaffected by the speed of the generating aircraft.
• D. Wake turbulence is not a concern for light aircraft.

Answer: (A)

Wake turbulence strength comes from the lift the generating aircraft must produce. Heavier aircraft require more lift, and if they fly slowly, the lift coefficient is higher to support the weight. That combination creates stronger wingtip vortices. Keeping the configuration clean (flaps up) means you’re not relying on high-lift devices that would add lift in other ways, so among typical operating conditions this scenario yields the strongest wake behind the aircraft. Bank angle doesn’t directly increase vortex strength; it changes the wake’s trajectory more than its intensity. Speed does affect strength—faster generally means weaker vortices. And wake turbulence is indeed a concern for light aircraft, especially near busy airports or behind larger planes.

Wake turbulence strength comes from the lift the generating aircraft must produce. Heavier aircraft require more lift, and if they fly slowly, the lift coefficient is higher to support the weight. That combination creates stronger wingtip vortices. Keeping the configuration clean (flaps up) means you’re not relying on high-lift devices that would add lift in other ways, so among typical operating conditions this scenario yields the strongest wake behind the aircraft. Bank angle doesn’t directly increase vortex strength; it changes the wake’s trajectory more than its intensity. Speed does affect strength—faster generally means weaker vortices. And wake turbulence is indeed a concern for light aircraft, especially near busy airports or behind larger planes.