What is the purpose of maintaining distance behind larger aircraft during approach?

Maintaining distance behind larger aircraft during approach is crucial primarily due to wake turbulence. When larger aircraft take off or land, they generate vortices, which are powerful, rotating currents of air trailing behind them. These vortices can be hazardous to smaller aircraft that follow too closely, as they can lead to loss of control, particularly during critical phases of flight like landing.

Maintaining an adequate separation distance allows for these vortices to dissipate in time and space before a following aircraft enters the area, thus ensuring safety and stability during the approach. Understanding and applying the principles of wake turbulence is a key aspect of air traffic control and ensures that smaller aircraft have a safer and smoother landing process.