Wingtip vortices aren’t the only type of disturbed air concerning pilots and controllers. According to the 7110.65’s Pilot/Controller Glossary, wake turbulence includes “thrust stream turbulence, jet blast, jet wash, propeller wash, and rotor wash both on the ground and in the air.” If an airplane’s got an engine, that engine’s going to move some air, in one form or another.
I’ve felt this firsthand. The Caribbean island of St. Maarten is famous for its Maho Beach, which sits just off the end of its international airport’s runway. The only thing between me and the thrust of a departing KLM 747’s four massive engines was a chain link fence and a narrow two lane road. I’ll never forget the wave of searing heat, air, rocks, and sand that crashed into me as I struggled to stand up against that jet blast, losing my battle when another tourist tumbled into me.
