PA.IV.K.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. Prior to takeoff or touchdown pilots should note the rotation or touchdown point of the preceding 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 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. AIM 4-6-7 (Guidance on Wake Turbulence) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  4. PHAK ch. 5 (p. 5-9) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  5. AFH ch. 9 (p. 9-10) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  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)
Members lesson

Build understanding you can use

Unlock the full lesson and continue studying this element.

  • Full teaching sections: Hazard; How it shows up; Decision rules; Mitigations; The hazard
  • Check your understanding with answers you can reveal
View membership options