AerodynamicsQuestion 440 of 934

How does the strength of wingtip vortices relate to the weight of the aircraft?

  1. It is directly proportional to the weight
  2. It is inversely proportional to the weight
  3. It does not depend on the weight
  4. It depends on the weight only in a crosswind
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Correct answer: It is directly proportional to the weight

The strength is directly proportional to weight. It is inversely proportional to wingspan and speed.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 5: Aerodynamics of Flight — Wingtip Vortices — Formation of Vortices, page 106

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026