Where can wake turbulence be primarily encountered?

Prepare for the FAA Academy Basics Test. Study with multiple choice questions, get hints and explanations for each question. Ensure success with your exam!

Wake turbulence is primarily encountered in several scenarios associated with aircraft operation, and choice C accurately reflects this by stating it can occur both in flight and on the ground. Wake turbulence is generated by the passing of an aircraft, particularly larger ones, and is influenced by the aircraft's weight, speed, and configuration.

In flight, wake turbulence is typically found trailing behind an aircraft as it moves through the air. The vortices produced can be significant and last for several minutes, posing a risk to following aircraft, especially during takeoffs and landings.

On the ground, wake turbulence can also pose hazards during taxiing, particularly when larger aircraft generate vortices while taxiing past smaller ones. This kind of turbulence can remain present for a certain period depending on the environmental conditions.

The other options reflect a limited scope of where wake turbulence can be experienced. For instance, stating that it occurs only during takeoff or only on landing approaches ignores the fact that it can arise during various phases of flight and even on the ground. The restriction to nighttime conditions also fails to account for the instances of wake turbulence that can occur at any time of day. Therefore, the broad scope of C illustrates a more accurate understanding of where wake turbulence can be encountered.

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