Wake turbulence vortex circulation around wingtip is described as

• A. Outward, upward and around each tip
• B. Inward, downward and behind
• C. Circular behind the aircraft
• D. They rotate clockwise only

Answer: (A)

When lift is produced, air flows from high pressure below the wing around the tip to the lower pressure above, creating a pair of vortices that trail behind the aircraft. The circulation around each wingtip curls the air outward from the tip and upward as the vortex wraps around the tip itself. This is why wake turbulence is described as outward, upward and around each tip. There are two vortices, one from each wing, rotating in opposite directions, so stating that they rotate clockwise only isn’t accurate. The description that captures the outward spread and the tip-centered circular motion best reflects how the wake actually behaves.