How long is the typical separation distance behind a heavy aircraft?

The typical separation distance behind a heavy aircraft is 4-5 miles. This distance is critical for maintaining safety in aviation, particularly to prevent wake turbulence, which is created by larger aircraft. Wake turbulence can impact smaller aircraft significantly, leading to loss of control if they fly too closely behind a heavy aircraft.

The separation distance is determined based on factors such as the weight of the aircraft, its speed, and the atmospheric conditions. Given the physics of flight and the dynamics of air currents, maintaining a distance of 4-5 miles helps ensure that follow-on aircraft do not encounter these potentially hazardous conditions, allowing them to maintain safe operation and trajectory.

Other distances mentioned do not adequately account for the risks associated with wake turbulence behind heavier aircraft, which is precisely why the specified distance of 4-5 miles is recommended.