Wake Turbulence

Question 1

Define Wake Vortex Turbulence

Answer 1

Turbulence which is generated from wake vortex by the passage of an aircraft in flight. Generated from the moment the nose landing gear of an aircraft leaves the ground, until it returns.

Question 2

What is wake category J?

Answer 2

“Super” - MTOW 560,000kg or above

Only A380

Question 3

What is wake category H?

Answer 3

“Heavy” - MTOW 136,000kg or more

Question 4

What is wake category M?

Answer 4

“Medium” - MTOW more than 7,000kg but less than 136,000kg

Question 5

What is wake category L?

Answer 5

“Light” - MTOW 7,000kg or less

Question 6

What are the effects of wake turbulence on an aircraft?

Answer 6

Induced Roll
Height Loss or Climb
Structural Stress
Adverse effects on Engine

Question 7

What is the most dangerous effect of wake turbulence?

Answer 7

Induced Roll - It could exceed the control capability of the aircraft affected.

Question 8

Where are the two critical areas for wake turbulence to occur?

Answer 8

Approach or Climb out, because the aircraft is in a low energy state regarding speed, thrust and altitude.

Question 9

What conditions are likely to enhance wake turbulence effects?

Answer 9

Calm Winds
A light cross or tail wind keeping the wake on the runway
A light wind causing the wake to drift to another runway

Question 10

When does wake turbulence need to be considered for arriving/departing aircraft?

Answer 10

Using the same runway
Using parallel runways separated by less than 760m
Using a crossing runway where the flightpaths cross within 1000ft

Question 11

When is an ATCO not required to apply wake turbulence separation, when they otherwise normally would?

Answer 11

VFR Flights landing on the same runway behind Medium or Heavy aircraft
Between IFR flights executing a visual approach, when the following aircraft is maintaining own separation

However, the ATCO shall issue a caution of possible wake turbulence

Question 12

Who has final responsibility for ensuring sufficient wake turbulence separation?

Answer 12

PIC

Question 13

What are the procedural wake turbulence separations for arriving aircraft on timed instrument approaches?

Answer 13

Medium behind Super - 3 minutes
Medium behind Heavy - 2 minutes
Light behind Super - 4 minutes
Light behind Heavy - 3 minutes
Light behind Medium - 3 minutes

Question 14

What are the procedural wake turbulence separations for aircraft departing from the same point?

Answer 14

Heavy behind Super - 2 minutes
Medium behind Super - 3 minutes
Medium behind Heavy - 2 minutes
Light behind Super - 3 minutes
Light behind Heavy - 2 minutes
Light behind Medium - 2 minutes

Question 15

If parallel runways are separated by 760m or more, when does wake turbulence separation need to be applied?

Answer 15

Where the flightpaths of the aircraft will cross within 1000ft

Question 16

If an aircraft is departing from an intermediate point, behind a full length departure, what wake turbulence needs to be applied?

Answer 16

1 minute must be added to the standard wake turbulence.

Also applies for parallel runways less than 760m apart.