To manage wake turbulence after a heavy aircraft departure or arrival, ATC may do which of the following?

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Multiple Choice

To manage wake turbulence after a heavy aircraft departure or arrival, ATC may do which of the following?

Wake turbulence from a heavy aircraft can affect following aircraft in the same path, especially during departure or arrival phases. To keep everyone safe, ATC doesn’t rely on a single tool. They adjust spacing to increase the distance behind the heavy aircraft, use speed control to change how quickly the following airplane closes in, and may alter routes to avoid flying through lingering vortices. If conditions or sequencing require, they can delay subsequent traffic to ensure the wake has dissipated enough before the next aircraft proceeds. This combination is essential because wake turbulence is influenced by many factors—aircraft weight, takeoff or landing phase, wind and atmospheric conditions, and time since the heavy aircraft passed. Any one measure alone might not be sufficient in all situations, so using spacing, speed, routing, and potential delays as needed provides a comprehensive safety approach. That’s why the most correct choice includes all these options.

Wake turbulence from a heavy aircraft can affect following aircraft in the same path, especially during departure or arrival phases. To keep everyone safe, ATC doesn’t rely on a single tool. They adjust spacing to increase the distance behind the heavy aircraft, use speed control to change how quickly the following airplane closes in, and may alter routes to avoid flying through lingering vortices. If conditions or sequencing require, they can delay subsequent traffic to ensure the wake has dissipated enough before the next aircraft proceeds.

This combination is essential because wake turbulence is influenced by many factors—aircraft weight, takeoff or landing phase, wind and atmospheric conditions, and time since the heavy aircraft passed. Any one measure alone might not be sufficient in all situations, so using spacing, speed, routing, and potential delays as needed provides a comprehensive safety approach. That’s why the most correct choice includes all these options.

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