At what altitude do wingtip vortices level out?

Wingtip vortices are a byproduct of lift generation on an aircraft's wings. When an aircraft is in flight, high-pressure air below the wings moves around the tips to the low-pressure area above, creating rotating vortices that can persist in the wake of the aircraft.

Typically, these vortices begin to diminish in intensity as the altitude increases, primarily due to the dispersal of the vortex wake and a reduction in ground effect. At higher altitudes, the vortices tend to lose their strength and level out, leading to a reduction in their potential to cause turbulence for following aircraft.

The correct altitude range of 800-900 feet is associated with the point where these vortices generally stabilize and decrease in potency. This altitude is also the point where they reach a balance in their decay process and are less influenced by ground effects, which can enhance turbulence closer to the surface. Understanding the behavior of wingtip vortices at this altitude is crucial for safety during takeoff, landing, and approach phases, as it informs pilots about potential turbulence when flying behind other aircraft.