Which of the following factors does NOT affect wake turbulence intensity?

Wake turbulence is created by an aircraft as it passes through the air, and its intensity is influenced by several factors. Aircraft type refers to the specific design and characteristics of the aircraft, which indeed affect wake turbulence generation. This includes the size, wingspan, and aerodynamic properties, leading to different wake turbulence patterns and strengths.

The factors that truly influence wake turbulence intensity are typically the aircraft’s weight, angle of attack, and wing loading. Aircraft weight is a primary factor; heavier aircraft generate stronger vortices. The angle of attack at which an aircraft flies can also influence the strength of these vortices, as it impacts airflow around the wings. Wing loading, or the distribution of the aircraft's weight over its wing area, is another critical factor that affects wake turbulence, with higher wing loading often leading to more intense wake.

In contrast, while aircraft type does influence how wake turbulence is generated, it's not considered a direct factor affecting the intensity of the turbulence generated by an aircraft. The intensity is more closely linked to operational conditions and the physical characteristics of the aircraft during flight, rather than the category of the aircraft itself. Thus, recognizing that aircraft type does not directly modify the intensity of the resulting wake turbulence clarifies why it is the correct answer in this