What is the approved separation distance when a large or heavy aircraft is following a small aircraft?

The approved separation distance when a large or heavy aircraft is following a small aircraft is 5 miles. This standard is established to account for the potential wake turbulence generated by larger aircraft, which can affect smaller ones that follow closely behind. The increased separation distance provides a buffer to ensure that the smaller aircraft is not adversely affected by the wake turbulence, which can cause loss of control or unexpected maneuvers.

In contrast, shorter separation distances would not adequately mitigate the risk of wake turbulence impact, which is especially significant when larger aircraft are involved. The 5-mile separation is a precautionary measure implemented for safety reasons, ensuring that air traffic is managed in a way that protects all aircraft in the vicinity.