FAA Order JO 7110.126A, effective September 28, 2019, updates the rules air traffic controllers use to maintain safe distances between aircraft based on wake turbulence — the invisible air disturbances generated by planes in flight. The order introduces a nine-category system that groups aircraft by size and wake behavior, replacing older weight-only classifications, and reduces required separation distances in cases where science has shown greater spacing is unnecessary, such as when one heavy aircraft follows another of lower wake intensity. Facilities like Sea-Tac must obtain FAA authorization, train all personnel, and update their systems before applying these revised standards.Open full document
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FAA Order JO 7110.126A providing procedural guidance for Consolidated Wake Turbulence procedures and separation minima to Air Traffic Organization personnel. The order incorporates select wake turbulence separation minima from existing FAA orders and establishes new aircraft wake categories to improve operational efficiency while maintaining safety standards.