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Wake Turbulence

Categories

Category MTOW
Super (J) A388 and A225
Heavy (H) 136,000kg or Greater (Excluding A388 and A225)
Medium (M) Between 7,000kg and 136,000kg
Light (L) 7,000kg or Less

Exceptions

Wake Turbulence Separation is not required:

  • When the following aircraft has the same or heavier wake turbulence category as the preceding aircraft;
    • Except Heavy following Heavy
  • Between an aircraft landing behind an aircraft taking-off on the same runway;
  • For airborne VFR aircraft (Runway Wake Turbulence still applies);
  • For aircraft that have accepted responsibility for visual separation with another aircraft; or
  • For a helicopter conducting an air taxi

Runways

Departures

Full length or Crossing Runway Operations

Apply to departing aircraft when:

  • Both aircraft are using the same runway for take-off; or
  • An aircraft is taking off behind a preceding departing or arriving aircraft on a crossing runway
Lead Aircraft Following Aircraft Time (min) Distance (nm)
Super Heavy 2 6
Medium 3 7
Light 3 8
Heavy Heavy - 4
Medium 2 5
Light 2 6
Medium Light 2 5

Intermediate Departures

Apply to departing aircraft from a non-full-length intersection when:

  • The following aircraft will depart; or
  • The following aircraft will conduct a touch-and-go
Lead Aircraft Following Aircraft Time (min)
Super Heavy 4
Medium 4
Light 4
Heavy Medium 3
Light 3
Medium Light 3

Arrivals

Full length or Crossing Runway Operations

Apply to arriving aircraft when:

  • Both aircraft are using the same runway for landing; or
  • An aircraft will fly/land through the approach/landing path of an aircraft on a crossing runway
Lead Aircraft Following Aircraft Time (min) Distance (nm)
Super Heavy 3 6
Medium 3 7
Light 4 8
Heavy Heavy - 4
Medium 2 5
Light 3 6
Medium Light 3 5

Airspace

Apply to aircraft operating directly behind and within 760m laterally of another aircraft

Lead Aircraft Following Aircraft Distance (NM)
Super Heavy 6*
Medium 7*
Light 8*
Heavy Heavy 4
Medium 5
Light 6*
Medium Light 5
* = Relevant to Enroute