FAA Ground School Practice Test

When landing behind a large aircraft, which procedure should be followed for vortex avoidance?

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

2. Fly immediately below its flightpath

3. Perform a go-around if needed

4. Maintain the same altitude until touchdown

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

Staying above the final approach flightpath of a large aircraft all the way to touchdown is the best practice for vortex avoidance. This procedure is crucial because large aircraft generate wake turbulence as they pass through the air, which can create hazardous conditions for smaller aircraft following behind. When a large aircraft lands, it leaves behind powerful vortices that sink downward and can drift laterally due to wind. By remaining above the final approach flightpath, you minimize the risk of encountering these vortices as they descend and spread outward from the wingtips. This altitude maintenance helps ensure that you avoid the turbulence created by the larger aircraft, allowing for a safer landing. In contrast, flying immediately below the flightpath or maintaining the same altitude until touchdown could expose your aircraft to the turbulent air created by wake vortices. Performing a go-around can be a necessary option if you find yourself too close to the vortices, but it is more of a reactionary procedure rather than a proactive approach to avoid turbulence in the first place. Therefore, the correct procedure emphasizes maintaining altitude above the final approach of the large aircraft throughout your landing approach.