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PA.IV.E.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

Rotate prior to the point at which the preceding aircraft rotated when taking off behind another aircraft. Pilots should fly at or above the preceding aircraft’s flight path, altering course as necessary to avoid the area directly behind and below the generating aircraft.

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. AFH ch. 5, Environmental Factors (p. 5-2) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  4. PHAK ch. 5 (p. 5-9) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  5. AIM 7-4-4 (Vortex Behavior) — 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)
  7. 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)
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