What phenomenon occurs when an aircraft develops lift, resulting in a pair of counter-rotating vortices?

• A. Jet stream
• B. Wake turbulence
• C. Airfoil separation
• D. Pressure drag

Answer: (B)

The occurrence of lift generated by an aircraft leads to the creation of a pair of counter-rotating vortices, a phenomenon known as wake turbulence. When an aircraft flies, especially during takeoff and landing, it disrupts the airflow around its wings, resulting in the formation of these vortices. These vortices are formed due to differences in pressure above and below the wing, causing the air to spiral off the wing tips.

Wake turbulence is a significant concern in aviation because the vortices can pose risks to following aircraft, particularly smaller ones, as they can experience sudden loss of control or unexpected turbulence. Understanding this phenomenon is critical for air traffic controllers and pilots to maintain safe distances between aircraft, especially during takeoff and landing phases, to avoid encountering this hazardous condition.