The stability of two vortex pairs is analysed as a model for the vorte
x system generated by an aircraft in flaps-down configuration. The co-
rotating vortices on the starboard and port sides tumble about one ano
ther as they propagate downward. This results in a time-periodic basic
state for the stability analysis. The dynamics and instability of the
trailing vortices are modelled using thin vortex filaments. Stability
equations are derived by matching the induced velocities from Biot-Sa
vart integrals with kinematic equations obtained by temporal different
iation of the vortex position vectors. The stability equations are sol
ved analytically as an eigenvalue problem, using Floquet theory, and n
umerically as an initial value problem. The instabilities are periodic
along the axes of the vortices with wavelengths that are large compar
ed to the size of the vortex cores. The results show symmetric instabi
lities that are linked to the long-wavelength Crow instability. In add
ition, new symmetric and antisymmetric instabilities are observed at s
horter wavelengths. These instabilities have growth rates 60-100% grea
ter than the Crow instability The system of two vortex pairs also exhi
bits transient growth which can lead to growth factors of 10 or 15 in
one-fifth of the time required for the same growth due to instability.