For an aircraft departing 600 feet down the runway behind UAL 10, how many minutes must N123JL wait after UAL 10 has rotated?

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When considering takeoff clearance for an aircraft departing behind another aircraft that has just rotated, ensuring adequate separation is crucial for safety. The recommended waiting time for an aircraft like N123JL, departing 600 feet down the runway behind UAL 10, is primarily based on the wake turbulence that the leading aircraft generates.

After an aircraft takes off, it can produce wake turbulence that can affect following aircraft, particularly those operating behind and at or below the same altitude. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established guidelines for separation times behind different categories of aircraft to mitigate this risk.

In this case, UAL 10 has rotated, and the appropriate waiting time for a small aircraft like N123JL to ensure it can safely take off without encountering the wake turbulence from the larger aircraft (assuming UAL 10 is a large commercial jet) is typically around three minutes. This duration helps to ensure that any wake turbulence generated dissipates sufficiently before the following aircraft begins its takeoff roll, allowing for a safe departure.

Therefore, the answer indicating that N123JL must wait three minutes after UAL 10 has rotated reflects the necessary time required for safe separation and the management of wake turbulence risks.

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