Revises Separation Minimums For Avoidance Of Wake Turbulence

The FAA has released a SAFO highlighting revisions to RECAT aircraft wake turbulence separation minimums.

On November 1, 2012, the FAA began implementation of a six (6) category wake turbulence system called RECAT (Phase I) currently in effect at MEM, SDF, CVG, and ATL.

Wake turbulence data collected behind Category D and E aircraft was used to determine safe reductions of required separations when Category F aircraft are following. Shown are highlights the changes made to the existing RECAT separation minimums when Category F aircraft follow Category D and E aircraft.

Implementation is planned on or about the date shown for the following airports:

• Dec 18, 2014 – Houston Metroplex (IAH / HOU)
• Jan 31, 2015 – Current RECAT airports (MEM / SDF / CVG / ATL)
• Mar 31, 2015 – New York Metroplex (JFK / LGA / EWR / TEB / HPN / ISP)
• Mar 31, 2015 – Charlotte Metroplex (CLT)
• Jun 30, 2015 – Chicago Metroplex (ORD / MDW)
• Sep 30, 2015 – Northern California Metroplex (SFO / OAK / SJC)

The FAA recommends that Directors of Operations, Directors of Training, Training Center Managers, Check Pilots, Training Pilots, and flightcrews should familiarize themselves with the information contained in this SAFO.

FMI: SAFO