Wake turbulence is a major factor in aircraft separation standards. Generated by wingtip vortices, this invisible hazard can cause serious control issues—especially for lighter aircraft flying behind heavier ones.
To manage this, ICAO and many aviation authorities classify aircraft into Wake Turbulence Categories (WTC) and enforce minimum separation distances.
✈️ What is Wake Turbulence?
Wake turbulence is the disturbed air left behind an aircraft—primarily from wingtip vortices. The heavier, slower, and dirtier (landing config) the aircraft, the stronger its wake turbulence.
🧩 ICAO Wake Turbulence Categories (WTC)
Aircraft are classified into four main categories based on their Maximum Takeoff Mass (MTOM):
| Category | MTOM | Typical Aircraft |
|---|---|---|
| L – Light | < 7,000 kg | Cessna 172, Piper PA-28 |
| M – Medium | 7,000 kg – 136,000 kg | B737, A320, Embraer E190 |
| H – Heavy | > 136,000 kg | B777, A330, B747 |
| J – Super | Specific to A380 only(>560000 kg) | Airbus A380 |
📏 Wake Turbulence Separation Minima (Radar Separation)
Here’s a simplified version of the ICAO separation standards for approach and landing phases (in nautical miles):
| Preceding Aircraft → <br> Following Aircraft ↓ | SUPER (J) | HEAVY (H) | MEDIUM (M) | LIGHT (L) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUPER (J) | — | 6 NM | 7 NM | 8 NM |
| HEAVY (H) | — | — | 5 NM | 6 NM |
| MEDIUM (M) | — | — | — | 5 NM |
| LIGHT (L) | — | — | — | — |
🛑 Note: Light aircraft always require the greatest separation when following heavier categories. This is especially critical during final approach and takeoff behind a departure.
🎯 Quick Scenario:
You’re flying a Cessna 172 (Light) behind a Boeing 777 (Heavy).
Required separation: 6 NM.
Always delay your approach or extend downwind to avoid wake turbulence!
🧠 Pro Tips:
- Wake turbulence sinks and moves with the wind – stay above the flight path of heavier aircraft.
- Use cautionary advisories issued by ATC—especially at uncontrolled or mixed-use airfields.
- At takeoff, rotate before the preceding aircraft’s rotation point and climb above their path.
📘 Bonus: Additional Separation (Non-Radar)
In some situations (e.g., non-radar operations or time-based separation), separation can be based on time:
| Preceding Aircraft Type | Following Aircraft | Minimum Separation (Time) |
|---|---|---|
| HEAVY/SUPER | LIGHT or MEDIUM | 2 – 3 minutes |
