What is the recommended separation when departing behind a heavy aircraft?

The recommended separation when departing behind a heavy aircraft is typically 4-5 miles or 2 minutes. This guideline is established to ensure safety and allow for the wake turbulence generated by the heavier aircraft to dissipate before the following aircraft becomes airborne.

Heavy aircraft produce significant wake turbulence, which can pose a risk to smaller, lighter aircraft that follow too closely. By maintaining a separation of 4-5 miles or waiting for 2 minutes, the following aircraft minimizes the chances of encountering this turbulence, which can lead to loss of control or instability during takeoff. The distance and time parameters are based on various factors, including aircraft size, weather conditions, and the strength of the wake turbulence.

This separation practice is particularly crucial in busy airspace, where multiple departures occur in quick succession, ensuring that operations are efficient while maintaining safety standards.