A319
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Inflight Event / Encounter Wake Vortex Encounter
General None Reported / Taken
Environment - Non Weather Related; Procedure
This was a wake turbulence encounter with an A380 Super Heavy. In cruise flight we asked for higher altitude (we were at FL360 and requested FL380). ATC had us remain at current altitude for crossing traffic; the A380. We were west bound and the Super was at FL370 northeast bound. We saw traffic pass and shortly after ATC issued us climb clearance to FL380. It was night; but with almost full moon; but still could not see any contrails. The FO and I discussed the issue of staying clear of the A380 wake prior to the climb and we thought we were clear of his flight path. As we passed FL362 we had 2 very severe bumps in rapid succession as we crossed his wake. The bumps were like breaking through a brick wall. There was no upset; no altitude change and the cabin crew reported no damage or injuries. We elected to continue the flight. ATC was interested in the situation as they are still collecting data on the A380 wake issues hence this report.I feel this event shows the A380 Super may need additional consideration in regards to separation and wake turbulence avoidance. We were lucky there were no injuries or aircraft damage. The wake encounter truly felt as if we hit something; it was sharp and hard and only lasted for a moment. ATC was notified right away of the incident and receiving controllers only gave us a copy reply. A few frequencies later; ATC started to ask a lot of questions of the event. Even though we were aware of the dangers of the A380 wake; and took precaution to avoid it; we still hit it. There needs to be more stringent separation standards in regard to the A380.
[An A319] crew advised me that they had a wake turbulence event over HLC VOR. An A380 was heading northeast at FL370. [The A319 crew] was at FL362 heading southeast. The crew reported no cabin issues; no loss of altitude; and no upset - just a crossing jolt.
A319 Captain and a Company Dispatcher reported the aircraft encountered wake turbulence at FL362 when they crossed the wake from an A380 at FL380. The Captain suggested more stringent separation standards relative to Super heavy A380 aircraft.