FAA Ground School Practice Test

When are wingtip vortices created?

1. When an aircraft is developing lift

2. When an aircraft is descending

3. Only during takeoff

4. When landing in adverse weather conditions

The correct answer is: When an aircraft is developing lift

Wingtip vortices are generated as a result of the lift production by an aircraft's wings. When an aircraft is in flight, the pressure difference between the upper surface (lower pressure) and the lower surface (higher pressure) of the wings causes air to spill over the wingtips. This spilling of air creates swirling patterns, known as vortices, that trail behind the aircraft. These vortices are most intense during critical phases of flight, such as takeoff and landing, when the aircraft is generating significant lift. However, they are not confined to these specific phases and can be produced any time the aircraft is developing lift, including during cruise flight. The strength of the vortices is influenced by the aircraft's weight, speed, and configuration. In contrast, while an aircraft may generate aerodynamic effects during descent or landing, these actions alone do not specifically create wingtip vortices unless lift is also being generated, which typically occurs as the aircraft maintains its glide or approach angle.