"4 Key Facts about Airfoil Vortices." -@likeflaps Wingtip vortex, is a spiral of air that forms at the wingtips of an aircraft as a result of pressure differences across the wing. Here are four key facts about airfoil vortices: 1. Formation of Vortices: As an aircraft wing generates lift, the higher-pressure air from beneath the wing tries to move toward the lower-pressure air above it. This causes air to spiral around the wingtips, creating vortices. These vortices trail behind the aircraft and

Did you know that the wingtip vortices fall with about 400 feet per minute? In this short video you can clearly see how the vortices are separating from the condensation trails and starting to fall down. This is why it’s very important to be vigilant when you are crossing below the path of another aircraft who has passed 1000 feet above you a few minutes earlier. If you have ever been flying along as a passenger, and suddenly had a sudden “jolt” from nowhere, this is probably the reason. . . #pi

I took this video recently. It clearly shows how the wingtip vortices rapidly spin even miles behind the aircraft. | Combat Learjet