What can increase the likelihood of an aircraft encountering wake turbulence?

Taking off or landing behind a larger aircraft significantly increases the likelihood of encountering wake turbulence. Larger aircraft generate greater vortices due to their size and weight, which creates turbulent air patterns that can linger behind them. When smaller aircraft operate in the vicinity of these larger ones, particularly during takeoff and landing phases, they are at a higher risk of being affected by these wake vortices. The strength and persistence of these vortices depend on factors such as the size and weight of the aircraft that created them, as well as atmospheric conditions, making this situation particularly hazardous during critical phases of flight.

In contrast, flying at high altitude may lessen the effects of wake turbulence as the air can be more stable and less congested. Flying during daylight hours or operating in calm weather conditions does not inherently increase the chances of encountering wake turbulence; instead, traffic patterns and aircraft proximity are the critical factors to consider.