Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 78; Flight Crew Total 13700; Flight Crew Type 834
Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Inflight Event / Encounter Wake Vortex Encounter
Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control
Environment - Non Weather Related
During a climb through 35;000 FT the aircraft started to roll to the right about 45 degrees and then a second roll to about 75 to 90 degrees (not sure exactly). I regained control of the aircraft after climbing about 3;000 fpm and then descended 3;000 fpm and leveled at 36;000 FT. After informing ATC we encountered wake turbulence; I asked ATC what aircraft we were following and they informed us we were following a DC-10 about 20 miles ahead that was climbing the same rate as us. Food Service was thrown to the floor. All on board had seatbelts fastened and there were no injuries. After resetting Flight Guidance computers we were able to use autopilot again and flight was back to normal. We took all corrective actions regarding the aircraft. I'm not sure how to correct the separation problem. It would seem 20 miles would be sufficient. If ATC informed us of the aircraft we were following and their position we could have the option of vectors; depending on the winds; to fly off the airway or be able to choose a different altitude.
GLF4 Captain reported encountering wake turbulence 20 miles in trail of a DC-10 at FL360 that resulted in a roll to as much as 90 degrees.