FAA Ground School Practice Test

What hazard should pilots be alert to when taking off or landing at airports with heavy aircraft?

1. The threat of ice on runways

2. Wingtip vortices sinking into the flightpath of aircraft below

3. Bird strikes during takeoff

4. Thunderstorms near the airfield

The correct answer is: Wingtip vortices sinking into the flightpath of aircraft below

When taking off or landing at airports with heavy aircraft, pilots should be particularly vigilant about wingtip vortices. These are turbulent air masses that are generated at the wingtips of aircraft, especially during takeoff and landing phases. Heavy aircraft, due to their significant size and weight, create stronger vortices compared to lighter ones. When a heavy aircraft takes off or lands, it produces these vortices that can sink and linger at lower altitudes. If a smaller aircraft is operating in the vicinity of these vortices, it can encounter significant turbulence, making it difficult to control the aircraft. This is especially pertinent during takeoff and landing when the aircraft are at lower speeds and altitudes, making them more susceptible to disturbances. This understanding of the hazards associated with vortices is crucial for maintaining safe operations in near proximity to larger aircraft. It also explains why air traffic control and standard operating procedures often require appropriate spacing between aircraft sizes during these critical phases of flight.