What happens to hazardous wing tip vortices after a heavy aeroplane passes during cruising flight?

Hazardous wing tip vortices are generated by the lift produced by aircraft wings, particularly by heavy or large airplanes. After such an aircraft has passed, these vortices do not dissipate quickly; rather, they can linger in the air for an extended period. This is especially true in cruise flight when the aircraft is at a constant altitude and speed, contributing to the persistence of these vortices.

The vortices can descend slowly and spread out, and depending on weather conditions, such as wind and temperature, they might remain hazardous for several minutes. This is significant for the operations of smaller aircraft that may follow or cross paths with the wake of the larger aircraft, posing a risk of turbulence that can affect flight stability.

Understanding the behavior of these vortices is crucial for pilot safety, particularly during takeoff and landing phases when the risk of encountering them is heightened. Therefore, it's important to respect the recommended separation distances from larger aircraft to minimize the risk of wake turbulence.