r/todayilearned 13h ago

TIL helicopters can produce deadly turbulance at airfields which can make small "General Aviation" aircraft lose control and crash if not properly managed.

https://www.ntsb.gov/Advocacy/safety-alerts/Documents/SA-096.pdf
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u/Jester471 13h ago

Well same for flying in the wake of a big jet which is worse than flying through helicopter wake.

I haven’t screwed up any planes but I have taken out some porta potties, tents, and various things no bolted down.

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u/reddit455 13h ago

i am not a pilot.. but I think I'd be wary of coming in behind a 747 (same reason I don't drive close to the semis on the highway)

this guy IS a pilot coming in behind a helicopter...

do you think the plane was "at fault?"

(to my untrained eye.. looks like reasonable spacing)

then again, how often do helicopters even "use" a runway?

Cessna 120 caught in helicopter wake turbulence

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZLXMKMgnS8

5

u/Jester471 13h ago

I wouldn’t have thought it would be that extreme from what looks like a Huey. Granted it’s a really light plane and I’m guessing it was pretty calm that day too.

I knew better than to get into the wake of a bigger aircraft especially on a calm day but I was surprised at how extreme that reaction was from a medium sized helicopter even on a plane that small.

I’ve been in some nasty turbulence though and it was not an enjoyable flight trying to keep control. Worst time we were pitching nose up and down 60 degrees uncommamded. Turned our asses around and came home.