Aircraft Noise

Wake Turbulence

Wake turbulence is a natural, unavoidable consequence of aircraft operations as a by-product of lift creation. It commences at take off and continues until touchdown. The wake consists of two counter-rotating cylindrical vortices, the strength of which is governed by the weight, speed and wing shape of the aircraft.

The intensity of the wake is also affected by prevailing weather conditions. In still conditions, the spirals sink towards the ground and degrade slowly, whereas in windy conditions they generally degrade quite quickly.

Occasionally, when the weather is calm, wake turbulence has been known to cause damage (such as dislodged roof tiles) to property on the ground.

For further information or to make an enquiry about specific wake turbulence incidents contact the Noise Enquiry Service.

Some references of interest may be:

Blackmore, P. 2002. Slate and Tile Roofs: Avoiding Damage from Aircraft Wake Vortices. Building Research Establishment. Digest 467. June.

For a more detailed and technical account of wake vortices and its implications for pilots refer to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Advisory Circular on Aircraft Wake Turbulence (pdf)

To lodge a complaint regarding aircraft noise, please use our online form.

To contact the Noise Enquiry Service phone 1800 802 584 (freecall) or 1300 302 240 (local call)
or write to:
Noise Enquiry Service
PO Box 211
Mascot NSW 1460
Email: community.relations@airservicesaustralia.com