What happens to smaller aircraft following larger ones in relation to induced roll?

When smaller aircraft follow larger ones, they typically experience a more pronounced effect of induced roll due to the wake turbulence generated by the larger aircraft. As larger planes generate lift, they create a wake that consists of vortices trailing behind the wingtips. These vortices can significantly affect the stability and control of smaller aircraft flying through them.

The strength of these induced vortices is directly related to the weight and speed of the larger aircraft; hence, the larger the aircraft, the stronger the turbulence. Smaller planes, which are lighter and have less mass to counteract these disturbances, are more susceptible to the roll induced by these wake vortices. Consequently, they may find themselves in conditions where they struggle to maintain a straight flight path, leading to a more pronounced roll effect. Understanding this interaction is critical for pilots, particularly for those operating smaller aircraft in proximity to larger ones during takeoff, landing, or flight.