Private Pilot Private Exam

What procedure should be followed to avoid wake turbulence when landing behind a large aircraft?

1. Stay below its final approach flightpath all the way to touchdown

2. Stay above its final approach flightpath all the way to touchdown

3. Maintain a constant altitude while landing

4. Land on a wider runway to avoid turbulence

The correct answer is: Stay above its final approach flightpath all the way to touchdown

To avoid wake turbulence when landing behind a large aircraft, the recommended procedure is to stay above its final approach flightpath all the way to touchdown. This is important because large aircraft generate significant wake turbulence, particularly when they are near the ground during takeoff and landing phases. The wake turbulence comprises two counter-rotating vortices that can linger in the air and can pose a risk to smaller aircraft that follow too closely behind. By maintaining altitude above the final approach flightpath of the larger aircraft, a pilot can ensure that they do not encounter these dangerous vortices as they come in for a landing. Since the vortices descend and drift laterally, staying above helps mitigate the risk of being affected by the turbulent air created by the larger aircraft. This strategy is a crucial part of flying safety, particularly in traffic patterns at busy airports where aircraft of varying sizes operate. It is essential for pilots to understand and follow these guidelines to promote safety for all aircraft involved in landing operations.