FAA Ground School Practice Test

What wind condition requires maximum caution when avoiding wake turbulence on landing?

1. Strong headwind

2. Light, quartering tailwind

3. Calm wind

4. Crosswind

The correct answer is: Light, quartering tailwind

When considering wake turbulence during landing, a light quartering tailwind is particularly critical because it can cause the trailing aircraft to inadvertently encounter the wake turbulence created by the preceding aircraft. In light winds, the wake turbulence tends to remain closer to the runway and can be easily influenced by even minor wind variations. A quartering tailwind can shift that turbulence towards the arrival path of the landing aircraft, increasing the likelihood of experiencing its effects. This is an important factor for pilots, as wake turbulence can significantly affect aircraft control, especially during critical phases of flight like landing. Strong headwinds would generally help to keep the wake turbulence more vertically separated from subsequent flights, and calm winds reduce the dispersion of that turbulence. In crosswind conditions, while there can be some turbulence interaction, the effect of a light quartering tailwind presents a unique challenge that requires heightened awareness and caution, making it essential to account for that specific wind condition to ensure safety during landing.