What influences the severity of wingtip vortices?

The severity of wingtip vortices is primarily influenced by factors such as speed, weight, and configuration of the aircraft. These factors directly relate to how the aircraft generates lift and the amount of induced drag it experiences during flight.

When an aircraft is in flight, particularly during takeoff and landing, it generates lift, which creates a pressure differential between the upper and lower surfaces of the wings. The air that spirals off the wingtips as a result of this pressure difference forms vortices. The size and strength of these vortices, which can be hazardous to following aircraft, are determined by the aircraft's weight (higher weight produces stronger vortices), speed (faster speeds tend to result in weaker vortices), and configuration (flaps and landing gear extended or retracted can affect vortex strength).

Understanding these influences is crucial for maintaining safe separation distances between aircraft, especially in congested airspace or during critical phases of flight.