Which factor affects the strength of wake turbulence?

The strength of wake turbulence is significantly influenced by the weight and size of the aircraft. Larger and heavier aircraft generate more lift and, consequently, produce more intense wake turbulence as they fly through the air. This turbulence is created by the vortices that form at the wingtips when an aircraft is generating lift, and these vortices are stronger in larger aircraft because of the increased mass and wing area.

Factors such as aircraft speed and type of landing gear do not have a direct impact on the strength of the wake turbulence itself, though speed can affect how quickly the turbulence dissipates. Similarly, while altitude may influence other aspects of flight, it does not change the intrinsic characteristics of the wake turbulence generated by an aircraft's size and weight. The wake turbulence hazard is especially pertinent during takeoff and landing phases, where the presence of smaller aircraft behind larger ones can lead to dangerous encounters if not properly managed.