Why is it not the controller’s responsibility to anticipate wake turbulence effects?

The reason it is not the controller’s responsibility to anticipate wake turbulence effects relates to the inherent unpredictability of these phenomena. While certain factors such as aircraft type, weight, and environmental conditions can help estimate the potential for wake turbulence, there are variables that remain inconsistent and may change rapidly.

Wake turbulence is generated as aircraft produce lift, creating vortices that can linger in the air for some time, particularly in calm conditions. Factors like weather, the size of the aircraft generating lift, flight paths, and the proximity to other aircraft can all influence how and where wake turbulence will affect other planes.

Given this variability, controllers are trained to apply standard separation rules and spacing to minimize the impact of wake turbulence, but they cannot precisely predict when and how turbulence will affect specific flights at all times. Instead, they rely on established procedures and pilot reports to assess the situation in real time. This underscores the crucial role that pilots play in reporting their experiences with turbulence, which can aid in situational awareness for themselves and for air traffic control.