What is the primary cause of wake turbulence during an aircraft's flight?

The primary cause of wake turbulence during an aircraft's flight is wingtip vortices. When an aircraft generates lift, the higher pressure air from beneath the wing flows around the wingtip to the lower pressure area above the wing. This movement creates swirling air patterns known as vortices. These vortices trail behind the aircraft and can pose a hazard to following aircraft, especially during takeoff and landing when they are in close proximity to each other.

Understanding wingtip vortices is critical for pilots and air traffic controllers, as they provide the main reason for maintaining safe distances between aircraft during flight operations. The strength of these vortices is influenced by the weight and wingspan of the aircraft, meaning heavier and larger aircraft produce stronger wake turbulence. Addressing wake turbulence is crucial in aviation to enhance safety and prevent incidents caused by unanticipated turbulence encountered by other aircraft.