When should pilots exercise caution regarding wake turbulence?

Pilots should exercise caution regarding wake turbulence primarily during approach and departure phases of flight. This is because these critical phases often involve closely spaced aircraft operating in a relatively confined airspace, increasing the chances of encountering wake turbulence. When one aircraft takes off or lands, it creates vortices that can persist in the air for several minutes and travel along the flight path of subsequent aircraft.

During approach and departure, the likelihood of following another aircraft is higher, especially at busy airports, making it essential for pilots to maintain awareness of their position relative to those in front of them and to adjust their speed and spacing as necessary to avoid the effects of wake turbulence. This awareness is crucial for maintaining control and ensuring safety during these vulnerable times when altitude changes and configuration adjustments are often taking place.

In contrast, other phases like high-speed cruising, flying at high altitudes, or inclement weather conditions may not pose the same immediate risks associated with wake turbulence. At cruising altitudes, aircraft are typically further apart, reducing the risk of experiencing any wake from another aircraft, and while weather conditions can affect flight safety, they do not inherently increase the risk of wake turbulence compared to the takeoff and landing phases.