Re: Caution: Wake turbulence! Quote:
Originally Posted by Skye1592 Next time be sure to stay clear of any aircraft landing/departing. Especially, the larger aircraft. The differential in air pressure generated by the airfoils of an aircraft while taking off/landing, cause giant vortexes of air to swirl from the wingtips in opposite directions. And they can knock smaller aircraft right off the ground! IF, it is present in the general area affected by this vortex. This is known as "wake turbulence". |
Vortex and wake turbulence is a well known phenomena in aviation circles. Not only can they knock smaller aircraft right of the ground, there are numerous well documented incidents with big commercial jets due to encounters with wake turbulence. Every pilot gets taught on how to deal with it; which is avoid flying into it at all cost. Especially if it was produced by a plane bigger than yours.
I have my private pilot license and flown in the USA. Lots of airports where small GA type of aircraft, such as the Cessna, Diamond and Cirrus I flew mix it out with large commercial jets.
The basic rule is that maximum wake turbulence is produced when the aircraft is slow, clean and heavy. Which means you need to be especially aware of it during landing and take off phase.
Also, it's only produces when the wing generates lift. No lift, no wake turbulence. So when you're in your little Cessna and the tower tells you you're number two after the 737 here's what you do:
On landing:
Observe the touch down point of the 737; as soon as it touches it will deploy spoilers, dumping all lift. So you aim your touch down point of your little Cessna well past the 737's. Essentially you maintain you glide path higher than the 737 in order to avoid any and all wake turbulence.
On take off:
Note where the 737 rotates, that the point its wings start generating lift and thus wake turbulence! Plan and execute your take off run in such a way you rotate well before the 737 point of rotation. And make sure you stay above his flight path. With a small plane that could be a problem. Easy enough to take off earlier, but the 737 vertical climbs speed is totally superior to the little Cessna. So even if you take off much earlier if you follow the same take off profile you will find your self in it's wake, you simple can't climb away quickly enough. In which case you also need to ensure you divert from the 737 climb path laterally.
The Vortex can remain active for up to more than three minutes. It slowly descends, but on the ground it will also roll over the ground. Light quartering tailwinds need extreme caution as the vortex might catch up with you.
The above is just the very basics. In practice there is more you should be aware. If you want to read some more detail: http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publi...m/aim0703.html
Jeroen |