What is the required separation for Envoy aircraft behind a heavy jet at the same altitude?

In flight operations, maintaining proper separation between aircraft is crucial for safety, especially when considering the wake turbulence generated by larger aircraft, such as heavy jets. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other aviation authorities have established separation guidelines to prevent incidents arising from this wake turbulence.

For Envoy aircraft operating behind a heavy jet at the same altitude, a vertical and lateral separation distance is required to ensure the safety of the aircraft. The correct answer indicates that a separation of 4 miles is required. This distance accounts for the potential wake turbulence created by the heavy jet, which can affect smaller aircraft following in its flight path.

This 4-mile requirement enables air traffic controllers and pilots to manage the risks associated with wake turbulence effectively. Each of the incorrect options either underestimates the necessary distance or does not provide a guideline that reflects the best practices for aircraft separation in this operational context.