Wake Turbulence Separation Minima
Wake turbulence separation minima is currently (!) the subject of AIC P 72/2010, which replaced AIC P 64/2009 (August 2009). Prior to that it was covered in AIC P 18/2009, which itself superseded Pink 188 (AIC 17/1999).
These changes have been required partly in order to further harmonise with ICAO standards but also because of the arrival of the A380-800. The 'Medium' category has also been split into 'Upper Medium' and 'Lower Medium'. Consequently, some of the UK separation minima have changed. We have provided a summary of the changes here, extracting only those UK separation minima pertinent to light aircraft operations.
Wake turbulence separation minima - final approach
| Leading Aircraft | Following Aircraft | Separation |
|---|---|---|
| A380-800 | Light | 8 nm |
| Heavy | Light | 7 nm |
| Upper Medium | Light | 6 nm |
| Lower Medium | Light | 5 nm |
| Small | Light | 4 nm |
| Light | Light | Nil required |
Wake turbulence separation minima - on departure
| Leading Aircraft | Following Aircraft | Separation if departing from same position | Separation if departing from intermediate position |
|---|---|---|---|
| A380-800 | Light | 3 minutes | 4 minutes |
| Heavy | Light | 2 minutes | 3 minutes |
| Upper Medium | Light | 2 minutes | 3 minutes |
| Lower Medium | Light | 2 minutes | 3 minutes |
| Small | Light | 2 minutes | 3 minutes |
| Light | Light | Not specified | Not specified |
References:
AICs and the IAIP is available from the NATS website at http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com/public/index.php.html
