What creates wake turbulence that pilots must be wary of?

Wake turbulence is primarily generated by the vortices created by larger aircraft as they generate lift. When an aircraft flies, the high-pressure air below the wings moves toward the low-pressure air above the wings, leading to the formation of rotating air masses or vortices at the wingtips. These vortices can persist in the air for several minutes after the aircraft has passed, posing a significant hazard to following aircraft, particularly smaller ones. Pilots need to be particularly cautious during takeoff and landing phases when they are more vulnerable to the effects of wake turbulence, as the spatial proximity to preceding larger aircraft increases the risk.

The other factors listed, such as weather conditions during flight, high-speed winds at altitude, and air pressure differences, do not directly create the specific phenomenon of wake turbulence. Weather conditions might affect overall flight safety and performance, while winds and pressure differences are more so related to atmospheric flight dynamics rather than the vortices generated by aircraft. Understanding the source of wake turbulence is crucial for maintaining safety in the airspace system, hence the importance of being aware of the effects created by larger aircraft.