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The Definition of Wake Turbulence
Wake turbulence refers to the disturbance in the air that is created by an airplane generating lift during its flight. As the airplane generates lift, air flows over the wingtips from high pressure areas below the wings to low pressure areas above them, creating wingtip vortices. These vortices cause a rapidly rotating flow of air that is commonly known as wake turbulence. The wake turbulence created by larger aircraft can impact smaller planes or aircraft that are flying in close proximity, making it crucial for pilots to stay aware of these disturbances and take appropriate measures to avoid them.
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