How long can hazardous wake turbulence persist in still air?

Hazardous wake turbulence can persist in still air for an extended duration, which is the basis for identifying the correct answer as two minutes or more. This phenomenon occurs due to the strong vortices generated by larger aircraft, which can remain active well after the aircraft has departed.

Under calm atmospheric conditions, these vortices can settle into the ground and continue to affect the flight path of other aircraft that may encounter them. They tend to dissipate more quickly in turbulent air but can pose a serious risk to smaller aircraft if the pilots are not aware of their potential presence after a larger aircraft has passed. This understanding is crucial for maintaining safety during takeoff and landing operations, emphasizing the importance of waiting sufficient time between departures and arrivals of different aircraft classifications.