About This Document

As airplanes move through the air, counter-rotating horizontal tornadoes are generated off the wings. This phenomenon, known as wake turbulence, creates a potentially dangerous situation for trailing aircraft. FAA counts on experts at U.S. DOT Volpe Center to better understand the behavior of wake turbulence and to recommend critical adjustments to aircraft separation standards.

View this infographic to learn how the results of wake turbulence research are saving money, increasing capacity, and improving safety.