Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

What should pilots do when approaching an airport with respect to wake turbulence?

1. Land before the preceding aircraft's touchdown

2. Touchdown after the preceding aircraft's touchdown

3. Take off immediately after the preceding aircraft

4. Maintain altitude until advised by ATC

The correct answer is: Touchdown after the preceding aircraft's touchdown

When pilots approach an airport, they should touchdown after the preceding aircraft’s touchdown to mitigate the risks associated with wake turbulence. Wake turbulence is a significant concern, especially when dealing with larger aircraft that generate strong vortices during takeoff and landing. These vortices are created by the wings of an aircraft as it passes through the air and can persist for several minutes and travel down the runway, presenting hazards for following aircraft. By touchdown after the preceding aircraft's touchdown, pilots allow for sufficient time for the wake turbulence to dissipate and provide a safer environment for landing. This procedure is particularly important when the preceding aircraft is larger, as its wake will linger and potentially disrupt smaller aircraft in its path. In contrast, landing before the preceding aircraft's touchdown places the pilot immediately in the path of possible wake turbulence. Taking off immediately after the preceding aircraft also exposes the aircraft to the risk of encountering those turbulent vortices, which can lead to loss of control. Maintaining altitude until advised by ATC might be beneficial in specific scenarios, but it doesn't directly address the procedure for a safe landing concerning wake turbulence.