What is the minimum separation time for Wake Turbulence Intersection for Category E, F, G, H or I behind Category C?

• A. 1 minute
• B. 2 minutes
• C. 3 minutes
• D. 4 minutes

Answer: (C)

The minimum separation time for wake turbulence intersection between Category E, F, G, H, or I aircraft and a Category C aircraft is established to maintain safe distances and mitigate wake turbulence effects. A separation time of 3 minutes is specified to ensure that any wake turbulence generated by the heavier aircraft is sufficiently dissipated before the following aircraft encounters it.

This 3-minute interval allows for the characteristics of wake turbulence, which can affect smaller or lighter aircraft significantly more than heavier ones. Wake turbulence can linger in the air for some time after the larger aircraft has departed, and this separation time is crucial to maintain safety during takeoff and landing operations.

The choices of 1, 2, and 4 minutes do not provide the necessary buffer to adequately ensure safety for the smaller categories of aircraft involved in closely following situations behind a Category C aircraft.