FAA Recategorizes Wake Turbulence Separations

Effective June 1, 2014, the FAA is expanding its Wake Turbulence Recategorization (RECAT) program throughout the national airspace system. The FAA has been conducting RECAT operations for the past year at Memphis, Louisville, and Miami. RECAT is the culmination of decades of wake research of which ALPA has been, and continues to be, an active participant. Under RECAT, the new classifications are expected to maintain the current levels of safety while increasing airport capacity and reducing both arrival and departure delays.

The FAA currently classifies aircraft for wake turbulence purposes based on maximum certified takeoff weight as heavy, large, and small. The current classification results in greater-than-necessary separation distances, especially within the heavy weight class. Using these categories, current heavy-behind-heavy separation is four miles, which is appropriate for a Boeing 767 following a larger 747, but not necessary when the 747 is following the 767.

RECAT classifies aircraft by wingspan, lateral control characteristics, and takeoff weight. The new classifications expanded from four to six wake-turbulence categories. The new guidelines split the current heavy and large weight classes into four wake categories: two for heavy and two for large. The A388 (A380) and A225 (AN225) become their own wake categories, while the weight class of small aircraft also remains as its own category.

Under RECAT, minimum radar separation standards in the terminal area will not change and, as always, the pilot-in-command retains the final authority for the safe operation of the aircraft. If you experience a wake encounter at an airport implementing RECAT, as with any such encounter anywhere, use your company’s approved reporting program, ASAP, or NASA’s ASRS program. Be sure to include the airport at which the encounter happened and provide as much detail as possible.

For more information from the FAA, click here.