PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - QF94 from Los Angeles to Melbourne Vortex
Old 14th Jun 2018, 05:09
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pattern_is_full
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
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Interesting - I wonder about the 1000-ft altitude difference cited for two planes on the same southwesterly heading. I assume the upset plane was the lower plane (wake vortices sink), and perhaps the leading 'Bus was in the process of its first step-climb from FL320, passing through FL330? Timing is about right, and the extra lift needed in the climb would increase the vortex intensity. 20 nm equals about 2.5 minutes separation, so that makes sense.

EDIT - AvHerald says upset plane actually was SW-bound at FL310(?? - also in step climb?) but indeed the event occurred at about the time the lead plane was also starting its climb from FL320 to FL340.

http://avherald.com/h?article=4b9da5b2&opt=0
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