Narrative:

Our aircraft was in level cruise flight @ 16;000 ft approaching the VOR with direct routing after. I noticed an aircraft turning to a westerly heading and climbing below our altitude to 14;000FT. I was able to determine from ATC communications that the other aircraft was a B737 departing. The approach controller contacted us and asked if we saw the other aircraft and could maintain a visual separation. We replied affirmative and the B737 was issued a climb through our altitude. It became quickly apparent that the B737 was continuing on a common course; which was not explained by the controller. I observed the B737 climbing through our altitude and immediately asked ATC for a 1NM offset to the right of course. From the FMS display; I determined that direction was slightly to the upwind side of our course; although the wind direction at our altitude was essentially a direct headwind. We were immediately cleared; I entered the command into the FMS and the aircraft began a right turn to fly the offset. At that point we encountered the wake; which rolled the aircraft to the right (left wing vortex from the generator aircraft). We quickly flew out of it; and while the encounter created a non-standard roll; it did not disengage the autopilot. I felt like we were set up for this encounter by not being advised by the controller of the common course the other aircraft was to fly. Had we been advised of the common course; I would not have accepted the 'visual separation' between the aircraft. The in-trail spacing was approximately 3-4nm at the time of the visual clearance; and approximately 5-6nm at point of encounter. We advised ATC of the encounter; by which she replied 'roger.'

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A CE560XL First Officer reported a wake encounter with a B737 that rolled the aircraft to the right. The reporter stated the incident could have been avoided if ATC had been clearer about the relative tracks of the aircraft involved.

Narrative: Our aircraft was in level cruise flight @ 16;000 FT approaching the VOR with direct routing after. I noticed an aircraft turning to a westerly heading and climbing below our altitude to 14;000FT. I was able to determine from ATC communications that the other aircraft was a B737 departing. The Approach Controller contacted us and asked if we saw the other aircraft and could maintain a visual separation. We replied affirmative and the B737 was issued a climb through our altitude. It became quickly apparent that the B737 was continuing on a common course; which was not explained by the Controller. I observed the B737 climbing through our altitude and immediately asked ATC for a 1NM offset to the right of course. From the FMS display; I determined that direction was slightly to the upwind side of our course; although the wind direction at our altitude was essentially a direct headwind. We were immediately cleared; I entered the command into the FMS and the aircraft began a right turn to fly the offset. At that point we encountered the wake; which rolled the aircraft to the right (left wing vortex from the generator aircraft). We quickly flew out of it; and while the encounter created a non-standard roll; it did not disengage the autopilot. I felt like we were set up for this encounter by not being advised by the Controller of the common course the other aircraft was to fly. Had we been advised of the common course; I would not have accepted the 'visual separation' between the aircraft. The in-trail spacing was approximately 3-4NM at the time of the visual clearance; and approximately 5-6NM at point of encounter. We advised ATC of the encounter; by which she replied 'roger.'

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.