When exactly does wake turbulence end?

noid Curtis E. Carr Jawja

The .65 also states it's not our job to determine if WT exists or not. You know when it starts/stops based on the aircraft, but we can't say whether there is any there or not. If I have a little 172 on a crossing runway after an RJ, why not issue it? How hard is it to throw in the cautionary statement just to make sure.

whegner Junior Member

It's my turn to give atcguruaf a tongue bath in agreement here.

I think I qualify as one of those old guys. I started working in '84 and didn't have a BRITE (w/o ARTS) to work with until '89. Secondary RADAR failed often so you better KNOW where everyone is and what they are doing. Most coordination was done via landline and with handwritten flight strips. The absolute everywhere I worked was scan, scan, scan, and while you're at it, scan some more. Miss any safety advisory and you had a real good chance of getting washed out. Plus, after milking the cows we had to walk to and from the facility in a blizzard five miles each way, every day!

My point is technological advancements are great but they are nothing more than aids to help you do the job. You still have to DO the job. My next door neighbor is a captain for a major international carrier and has been flying for approximately 20 years. When we see each other, after the first five minutes talking about our lawns the conversation inevitably turns to the lousy handling he received at XXX. In the past, I defended ATC but over time his points became more and more valid. I hate to say it but there seems to be a sizable segment of our brethren who feel they are the show (BTW, it's always been that way, it just seems there are more in that camp than before). We need to remember, no one goes to the ballpark to watch the umpires...the same goes for us.

You should strive to know all you can about the job, the equipment and the aircraft we deal with. You also need to understand that the manuals are guidelines that need to be interrupted holistically, they do not address every single possibility but by applying common sense and good judgement we can apply those procedures in the most safe and efficient manner possible.

Sorry to ramble on so I'll get off my soapbox now.

FM_Weasel Trusted Member

It sure does. For Heavies and 757s.

The twin cessna in the OP's question can take off as soon as the B737 is through the intersection. There isn't a hold for WT.

djmodifyd Senior Member

another +1

atcguruaf Rico Suave AZ

correct. I thought you were speaking in general. My bad.

arons440 Navy Vet Houston

Fact: Wake turbulence ends as soon on the nose wheel touches down. The concept is that the wings are creating lift as soon as the nose wheel lifts off the ground and lasts till the nose wheel touches down.

If the 737's nose wheel lifts before the intersection of the runway of the departing Cessna then there is wake turbulence. If the nose wheel lift after the intersection than the wake turb. is no factor.

Wake turbulence is the effect of the vortices created by lift, and come from the wings trailing edge at the wingtip. It's dangerous to smaller trailing aircraft because the air vortices are spiraling in a downward direction behind the wing of the larger aircraft. If a C172 flew behind and under the wingtip vortices of a larger or heavy aircraft, the small aircraft could and most likely would be flipped and crash. It is the responsibility of the controller to inform other a/c of the hazard, but it is also the responsibility of the pilot in command to understand it's effects and remain clear of the hazardous area.

The rules in the 7110.65 are writting to protect the controller and the pilot, but the PIC is ultimately responsible for the safe operation of the aircraft.

slater Junior Member Earth

Wake ends when the FRONT WHEEL touches down and BEGINS when the front wheel is off the ground.

djmodifyd Senior Member

wake turbulence may exist....but there is no wake turbulence delay

just to clairify

arons440 Navy Vet Houston

there are delays for wake turbulence. I suggest you reference JO 7110.65S Chapter 3 Section 9.

Merlin Newcomer Jacksonville

if i am in my twin cessna and i see a 737 cross right in front of me, I'm not rollin for 2 min even if ATC clears me