How does the wake turbulence vortex circulate around each wingtip?

The wake turbulence vortex circulates in a specific manner due to the lift produced by the wings of an aircraft. As the wings generate lift, they create vortices that form behind each wingtip. These vortices are a result of the high-pressure air from underneath the wing spilling over to the low-pressure area above the wing.

The correct answer describes this phenomenon accurately as "outward, upward, and around each tip." The vortices begin at the wingtips and flow outwards away from the aircraft and then follow a downward trajectory due to the downward pressure differential created during lift. This characteristic behavior of the wake turbulence means that the vortices move outward from the wingtips, rising slightly as they ascend before they dissipate in the atmosphere.

Understanding the circulation of wake turbulence is essential for pilots, especially during takeoff and landing phases when operating near other aircraft, as it helps mitigate the risks associated with wake turbulence encounters. This knowledge emphasizes the importance of maintaining safe distance and separation from larger aircraft that can produce significant wake turbulence.