Research towards a wake-vortex advisory system for optimal aircraft spacing

Wake turbulence is a major concern for busy airports since it limits capacity. Solutions for new aircraft staggering procedures are sought which relax the current separations but keep safety on a high level. Systems which advice air-traffic control on wake-vortex behaviour under present and expected weather conditions will, hopefully, contribute to such a solution. Knowledge on transport and decay of wake vortices in the atmosphere is presented. Concepts and designs of wake-vortex advisory systems in Europe and the USA are outlined. European wake-vortex measurement and prediction campaigns are described where the components of such systems have been tested successfully. To cite this article: T. Gerz et al., C. R. Physique 6 (2005).