What factor contributes to wake turbulence?

Wake turbulence is primarily generated by the movement of air around an aircraft as it transitions through the atmosphere, especially during the lift phase of flight. A heavy aircraft generates a significant amount of lift, which in turn produces stronger vortices compared to lighter aircraft. These vortices are caused by the differential pressure above and below the wings, resulting in a spiral pattern of air movement trailing behind the aircraft.

The intensity and duration of wake turbulence increase with the weight of the aircraft, making larger, heavier aircraft a major factor in creating this phenomenon. As a result, pilots need to be particularly cautious when flying near or behind heavier aircraft to avoid encounters with wake turbulence that can lead to loss of control, especially in smaller aircraft.

The other factors such as aircraft altitude, light aircraft flying in formation, and conditions being limited to only during takeoff are not primary contributors to the generation of wake turbulence as they do not directly influence the strength or characteristics of the vortices produced.