Final answer:
Controllers apply a minimum separation interval to any aircraft that takes off into the wake of a known heavy aircraft depending on the situation.
Step-by-step explanation:
In aviation, controllers apply a minimum separation interval to any aircraft that takes off into the wake of a known heavy aircraft in order to maintain safety. The specific separation interval depends on the situation:
- If the aircraft concerned commences the takeoff from the threshold of the same runway, a minimum separation interval is applied.
- If any following aircraft departs from the threshold of a parallel runway that is located less than a certain distance away from the runway used by the preceding heavy aircraft, a minimum separation interval is also applied.
The exact time interval for separation is not mentioned in the question, but it would typically be a few minutes in order to ensure the safety of the following aircraft.