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CA.I.I.K1iFAA-S-ACS-7B · Nov 2023Knowledge

i. Direction and height of waves

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

The characteristics of a water surface as affected by features, such as: i. Direction and height of waves

Bottom line

The higher the wind speed, or the longer the wind acts on the water, the larger the waves become.

Key numbers

Key numbers for i. Direction and height of waves
NumberWhat it means
about two knotsRipples form
four knotsSmall waves
lower than 12 to 15 feetMost ocean swells

FAA references

  1. SEA ch. 3 (p. 3-1) — FAA-H-8083-23
  2. AIM 6-3-3 (Ditching Procedures) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
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