What phrase should be used to inform an aircraft to hold in order to provide the required time interval?

The phrase "Hold for wake turbulence" is used to clearly instruct an aircraft to maintain its position in order to allow sufficient time for any wake turbulence created by a preceding aircraft to dissipate. This is crucial in air traffic control to ensure the safety of the aircraft and its operations, especially in busy terminal environments where aircraft may be operating in close proximity to one another.

Using this specific phrase conveys the reason for the hold, which is related to wake turbulence, an important safety consideration. This enhances situational awareness for the pilot, as they understand that the hold is not just a standard delay but specifically for the purpose of managing wake turbulence hazards.

While other phrases might imply an aircraft should be stationary, they lack the specificity needed for managing this particular safety concern. "Hold position" could suggest simply maintaining position without any context, "Standby for departure" implies readiness for takeoff without addressing potential hazards, and "Wait for clearance" does not specify the reason for the hold, potentially leaving the pilot unclear about the situation they are managing. Thus, the correct choice underlines the importance of safety and situational awareness in air traffic control operations.