Final answer:
Wake turbulence becomes and remains a hazard when a smaller aircraft follows closely behind a larger aircraft, which can lead to loss of control or instability. It is important to maintain a safe distance and altitude separation between aircraft to minimize the risk of encountering wake turbulence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Wake turbulence becomes and remains a hazard in certain situations in aviation. It occurs when an aircraft creates turbulence in the air behind it as it moves through the atmosphere. The hazard of wake turbulence is most significant when a smaller aircraft follows closely behind a larger aircraft.
The main factors that determine when wake turbulence becomes a hazard are the size and weight of the aircraft producing the wake and the distance between the aircraft. Larger and heavier aircraft create stronger wake turbulence, and when a smaller aircraft follows too closely, it can be affected by the turbulent airflow, leading to loss of control or instability.
For example, if a smaller aircraft is flying too close behind a large aircraft like a jumbo jet, it can experience sudden changes in altitude, roll, or yaw due to the turbulence created by the larger aircraft. As a result, it is recommended to maintain a safe distance and altitude separation between aircraft to minimize the risk of encountering wake turbulence.