FAA Ground School Practice Test

When landing behind a large aircraft, how should the pilot avoid wake turbulence?

1. Land directly behind the aircraft's touchdown point

2. Stay below the large aircraft's final approach path

3. Stay above the large aircraft's final approach path and land beyond its touchdown point

4. Land at the same time as the large aircraft for safety

The correct answer is: Stay above the large aircraft's final approach path and land beyond its touchdown point

When landing behind a large aircraft, the recommended practice is to stay above the large aircraft's final approach path and land beyond its touchdown point. This approach is crucial for avoiding wake turbulence, which is a byproduct of a larger aircraft moving through the air. Large aircraft generate significant wake turbulence, especially during takeoff and landing phases. This turbulence can linger in the air for several minutes and can be extremely hazardous to smaller aircraft. By landing beyond the large aircraft's touchdown point, pilots ensure that they are away from the zone where the turbulence is most likely to affect their aircraft. Staying above the large aircraft's final approach path helps to avoid the turbulence that descends and spreads out from the wings of the larger plane. This precaution is essential for maintaining control and safety during the landing phase, particularly in crosswind conditions where turbulence can be more pronounced. Adopting this strategy is part of standard aviation safety protocols to mitigate risks associated with wake turbulence, and it aids pilots in executing a safe landing.