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CA.IV.E.R2dFAA-S-ACS-7B · Nov 2023Risk management

d. Wake turbulence

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Effects of: d. Wake turbulence

Bottom line

When taking off behind another aircraft, rotate prior to the point at which the preceding aircraft rotated. Avoid following another aircraft on a similar flight path at an altitude within 1,000 feet. If persistent vortex turbulence is encountered, a slight change of altitude upward and lateral position upwind should provide a flight path clear of the turbulence.

FAA references

  1. AFH Glossary (p. G-18) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  2. AIM 7-4-3 (Vortex Strength) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  3. PHAK ch. 5 (p. 5-9) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  4. AIM 7-4-4 (Vortex Behavior) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  5. AIM 4-6-7 (Guidance on Wake Turbulence) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  6. AIM 7-4-9 (Air Traffic Wake Turbulence Separations) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  7. AFH ch. 5, Environmental Factors (p. 5-2) — FAA-H-8083-3C
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