Wake turbulence separation is primarily applied between which of the following?

Wake turbulence separation is primarily applied between a light aircraft and a heavy aircraft due to the significant impact that wake turbulence can have on smaller planes. Heavy aircraft generate stronger wake vortices when they take off and land, which can create hazardous conditions for lighter aircraft that may be following closely behind. The turbulence can cause sudden changes in altitude or unexpected rolling motions, which lighter aircraft are less equipped to handle compared to larger aircraft.

This practice is essential for ensuring safety in air traffic management. Air traffic controllers utilize specific separation standards to maintain safe distances between different categories of aircraft to minimize the risk of wake turbulence encounters. The guidelines are designed based on the weight classifications of aircraft, reinforcing the importance of this separation in high-traffic areas, especially at busy airports during takeoff and landing phases.

The other options either do not recognize the specific risk associated with the weight difference or suggest scenarios where wake turbulence is not the primary concern, making them less applicable in the context of established safety protocols in aviation.