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PA.IV.A.R2dFAA-S-ACS-6C · Nov 2023Risk management

d. Wake turbulence

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Effects of: d. Wake turbulence

Bottom line

An aircraft generates vortices from the moment it rotates on takeoff to touchdown, since trailing vortices are a by-product of wing lift. Rotate prior to the point at which the preceding aircraft rotated when taking off behind another aircraft.

FAA references

  1. AFH ch. 5, Environmental Factors (p. 5-2) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  2. AIM 7-4-4 (Vortex Behavior) — 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. AFH ch. 9 (p. 9-10) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  5. 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)
  6. AIM 4-6-7 (Guidance on Wake Turbulence) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
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