Which statement about wake turbulence in parallel takeoffs is true?

• A. Wake turbulence is not a factor in parallel takeoffs.
• B. Wake turbulence is the sole determinant of departure sequencing.
• C. Wake turbulence is never a concern if the aircraft are light.
• D. Wake turbulence is a factor to consider when maintaining safe separation for parallel takeoffs.

Answer: (D)

Wake turbulence comes from the wingtip vortices shed by departing aircraft. In parallel takeoffs, the vortices from one aircraft can drift into the path of the other, especially if spacing is tight or winds push the vortices toward the adjacent departure. Because of this, controllers must consider wake turbulence when maintaining safe separation and may adjust sequencing based on factors like aircraft weight, wind, and runway layout. The statement that it is a factor to consider for safe separation is the accurate one. The other options ignore or misstate the role of wake turbulence (it’s not irrelevant, it’s not the sole determinant of sequencing, and even light aircraft aren’t free from wake effects).