What is the minimum separation requirement when following a heavy jet below 1000 feet?

The minimum separation requirement when following a heavy jet below 1,000 feet is indeed four miles. This requirement is crucial for ensuring safety in aviation operations, particularly due to the wake turbulence that heavy jets can create. Heavy jets produce significant wake turbulence, which can affect smaller aircraft following in close proximity. The four-mile separation helps to mitigate the risk of encountering this turbulence, allowing sufficient time and distance for any effects to dissipate before the following aircraft descends through that same airspace.

Understanding the dynamics of aircraft separation is essential for pilots and air traffic controllers, as wake turbulence can lead to dangerous situations if not adequately managed. The requirement of four miles is based on established aviation safety standards that prioritize the safety of all aircraft in flight.