Wake Turbulence Concern Triggers Unexpected Climb During ExecJet 212 Flight
NetJets Aviation ExecJet 212, a Canadair Challenger CL60 flying from New Bedford (EWB) to Washington (IAD), was descending when ATC warned the crew about an Air France Airbus A350 Heavy ahead and cautioned them about wake turbulence.
The crew acknowledged the information and confirmed the descent. Moments later, ExecJet 212 began climbing instead, creating an unexpected change in altitude.
ATC subsequently questioned the climb, and the crew explained that the altitude change was made out of concern over the A350’s wake turbulence.
The incident led to an interesting ATC-pilot exchange, highlighting how crews and controllers manage changing traffic and wake-turbulence concerns in real time.
Listen to the real ATC audio and follow the full exchange.
