Wingtip Vortices
What is wingtip vortices?
Wingtip vortices are swirling, tornado-like masses of rotating air that form at an aircraft's wingtips whenever it generates lift. They occur because the higher-pressure air beneath the wing spills around the wingtip into the lower-pressure area above it, creating a rotating flow that trails behind the aircraft and sinks several hundred feet per minute. These vortices are the main component of wake turbulence and are strongest behind heavy, slow, clean-configuration aircraft. Think of it as the invisible swirling "wake" an airplane leaves behind — avoid flying into it, especially behind large aircraft.
Also known as: wake turbulence, wake vortices, vortices
Studying for an FAA written test?
Terms like wingtip vortices show up on the FAA knowledge test. Study them in context with ACS-aligned practice questions, AI explanations, and the cited FAA handbook reference behind every answer — free to start.