Originally Posted by geo75
Hello
First time posting, not a pilot.
I had a question about wake turbulence ... is it considerably more powerful behind an aircraft when it is landing or taking off, with slats and flaps extended ... as opposed to cruising? I would have thought there wouldn't be much when the aircraft is flying faster and with flaps and slats retracted ... or is there a relationship?
I did a search and what is the term "alpha" in relation?
Thanks,
iain
The experts will likely respond soon.
Until then, you can expect a more powerful wake behind an aircraft that has a clean wing (flaps/slats retracted) and that is flying at a slow speed at a heavy weight. The flaps tend to generate their own mini-vorticies that usually conflict with the main wake.
Having said that, wake turbulence is respected at all times, as I don't know the generating aircraft's weight or configuration. Wake is well respected at cruise as well (passengers and flight attendants may be up and about).
http://www.fcitraining.com/article14...ning_jul04.htm