Part 2/8:
In this scenario, the air traffic control tower issues a standard warning: "caution wake turbulence." While pilots can choose to heed these warnings, those who don't risk encountering dangerous conditions that could lead to unfortunate outcomes.
The Nature of Wake Turbulence
Wake turbulence is generated by all aircraft, especially large ones, during various phases of flight, including takeoff and landing. It occurs when air currents, which typically flow around each wing, break apart and form invisible vortices at the wingtips. These vortices can persist for significant distances after the aircraft has passed, often creating a hazardous environment for lighter aircraft that may not have sufficient altitude to recover from disturbances.