How can wake turbulence be minimized during takeoff and landing?

Wake turbulence is caused by the disturbance in the air created by an aircraft as it flies. This turbulence can pose risks to following aircraft, particularly during takeoff and landing phases. Minimizing this turbulence is crucial for maintaining safe operations.

Increasing following distance is effective in minimizing wake turbulence because it allows trailing aircraft to avoid the turbulent wake that lingers behind the leading aircraft. When an aircraft takes off or lands, it generates a vortex of airflow; these vortices descend and drift laterally from the flight path. By maintaining a greater distance, the trailing aircraft can maneuver more safely through or around any turbulence created, allowing extra time for the wake to dissipate.

Maintaining a constant airspeed, reducing altitude, or banking sharply do not effectively address the issues related to wake turbulence. In fact, inappropriate actions in the presence of wake turbulence, such as banking sharply, can exacerbate the situation by creating additional risks of losing control. Thus, increasing following distance serves as a crucial safety measure, providing a buffer and enhancing safety for subsequent aircraft during these critical phases of flight.