Wingtip vortices

Definitions

• The rapidly rotating air that spills over an airplane’s wings during flight. The intensity of the turbulence depends on the airplane’s weight, speed, and configuration. It is also referred to as wake turbulence. Vortices from heavy aircraft may be ex
• The rapidly rotating air that spills over an aircraft’s wings during flight. The intensity of the turbulence depends on the aircraft’s weight, speed, and configuration. It is also referred to as wake turbulence. Vortices from heavy aircraft may be extremely hazardous to small aircraft.

References

• Airplane Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2021
• Weight-Shift Control Aircraft Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2008