A-94-042
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
TO THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION: Establish the following interim wake vortex separation requirements for instrument flight rules airplanes following a Boeing 757 and other airplanes of similar weight: 4 nautical miles (nm) for airplanes such as the B-737, MD-80, and DC-9; 5 nm for airplanes such as the Westwind and Citation; and 6 nm for small airplanes. Maintain the current separation requirement of 5 nm when a B-757 or other airplane of a similar weight is following a heavy category airplane. (Urgent)
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The FAA is asked to set interim wake vortex separation minima for instrument flight rules airplanes flying behind a Boeing 757 or aircraft of comparable weight: 4 nautical miles for types like the B-737, MD-80, and DC-9; 5 nm for types like the Westwind and Citation; and 6 nm for small airplanes. The existing 5-nm separation when a B-757 or similar follows a heavy category airplane should be kept. This is marked as urgent.
This plain-language summary is written by FlightFinder to explain the recommendation above. It is not the official wording — the verbatim NTSB text is quoted above.
Details
| Status | Closed - Unacceptable Action |
|---|---|
| Mode | Aviation |
| Closed | Apr 20, 1995 |
| NTSB number | SEA93GA041 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).