How does the wake turbulence vortex circulate around each wingtip when viewed from behind or ahead of an airplane?

The correct understanding of how wake turbulence vortices behave highlights that they circulate outward, upward, and around each wingtip. When an aircraft generates lift, the high-pressure air beneath the wing flows around the wingtips to fill the low-pressure area above the wing, creating a vortex. This vortex travels outward from the wingtips as it moves away from the aircraft.

From a viewpoint behind the airplane, the vortices can be visualized as spiraling outward while rising into the air due to their upward component. This motion is a crucial concept for understanding the effects of wake turbulence on following aircraft. Pilots must be aware of these vortices, especially during takeoff and landing, as they can lead to loss of control if not appropriately managed.

Acknowledging that wake vortices circulate outward is critical for pilot training, as this understanding helps in maintaining safe distances from other aircraft and in recognizing potential turbulence hazards during operations in controlled airspace.